Cecelia Pierce
Godfrey |
After a beautiful earthly life, Cecelia "Celie" Ann Pierce, 91, entered peacefully into eternal life at 3:35 am, Saturday, January 17, 2015 at her residence, with family by her side.
A bright and radiant light in this world, Celie was born in Virginia, Minnesota on January 9, 1924, the eldest daughter of the late James & Agnes (Honsa) Pierce.
Celie was a gentle soul with a very kind heart, who was dearly loved by all who knew her.
She was a loyal and loving sister, daughter, and aunt, and her family meant the world to her.
Also, as a dog lover, Celie was the loving "mother" of many very fortunate four - legged children during her lifetime, including a champion cocker spaniel.
She was a member of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in St. Louis, and sang as a soprano in her church choir for many years. She gave selflessly of her time, frequently singing at funeral Masses.
Celie was brilliant and insightful, and she had a Masters degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. For most of her career, she enthusiastically taught 8th grade Science for the St. Louis School District, touching the lives of countless young people.
During the latter part of her teaching career she ran a reading clinic, which she greatly enjoyed.
Celie loved and cherished her family and her friends, and she had a way of letting them know how much they were appreciated and loved. Her warmth, her kindness, and her beautiful smile will never be forgotten.
She also had a special love of nature and especially enjoyed watching birds, squirrels, and butterflies. She also had the most amazing green thumb, as she gave her plants the same love and care as she did the people and animals in her life. No wonder she had such a lovely rose garden.
She kept up with current events and especially enjoyed following the weather. Family could always count on her for giving them the latest weather report.
For the last two years of her life she lived at the United Methodist Village in Godfrey, Illinois, where she was very happy and made many very good friends.
She was a regular at Bingo and a frequent winner. She also enjoyed arts and crafts, exercising, and playing the drums and other percussion instruments. Even at 91, she could still really rock!
Celie is survived by a brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas Bruce Vest of Godfrey, two nieces and a nephew and their spouses, and many grand nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Dr. Genie (Pierce) Vest and Lillian Pierce, and an infant brother, James Pierce.
Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am Saturday January 24, 2015 at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in St. Louis, 6000 Jamieson Road, St. Louis, MO with Fr. Henry Bryer as celebrant.
Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Donations in her honor can be made to United Methodist Village in Godfrey, Illinois.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey are in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
