PIERCE, Mary Alice

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/25/2013 Mary Alice Myers Pierce died Saturday, Oct. 19, at Sierra Blanca Nursing Home in Lakeside. She was born Feb. 17, 1923, and graduated from Polo High School in Polo, Ill., where she developed her passion for reading. She read, reviewed and recommended books at the library. Mary loved to play sports in her youth, worked in the sewing factories after high school, and was introduced by friends to, and soon after married, George Vade Pierce. They moved to Tucson and raised their children: Donald (Gayle), Sureleigh (Leigh Silliphant), Nancy (Charles Berstler), Bobbie (Kathy) and Laurie (Cliff Pryor). She was resourceful in all things she did and was involved with. Mary was an impeccable seamstress; her talents included magnificent wedding and pageant dresses, children’s clothing and costumes, as well as making the most beautiful decorative pot holders from her scraps for gifts and fundraisers. Mary worked for Sears as a sewing machine demonstrator and in the school cafeterias. She was active in PTA, Sunday school, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire girls, Girl Scouts and 4-H, depending on what her children were passionate about at the time. After her children were grown, she joined the Sunnyside Homemakers club. She and George retired to the White Mountains in 1982, where they enjoyed the peaceful days and nights. Mary continued her love of reading and watching her University of Arizona Wildcats, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Cowboys. She continued her community service delivering Meals on Wheels and as an election official at her local poll on each Election Day. Mary loved giving and bringing a smile to faces to those she helped. She was an avid gardener, birdwatcher, participated in the neighborhood Homeowners Association, and was instrumental, along with her husband George, in saving the Fool Hollow Lake and Recreation Center. She was a talented artist and loved her painting classes with new friends. She was a wonderful, giving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and even great-great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents: Charles and Sylvia Myers, brothers Wayne and Harold, beloved husband George of 69 years, and children Carl and Peggy. Memorial services for Mary Alice Myers Pierce will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Owens Livingston Mortuary, 320 N. Ninth St. in Show Low. In lieu of flowers, just give (time, money, volunteer, or make a donation) to your favorite charity or one of her passions; White Mountain Humane Society, Pet Allies, The Love Kitchen, senior center, SAFE House or one of my favorites they always did together, adopt an Angel off the Angel Tree this holiday season. “Young or old, my Mom had a giving heart for all.” Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.