WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Eva L. Pierce, 84, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday afternoon, June 9, 2012, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
She was born April 25, 1928, in Kalamazoo, a daughter of the late Barney and Nellie (Ossewaarde) Longjohn.
Mrs. Pierce resided most of her life in Sturgis. Her early life was spent in Kalamazoo, where she was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1946.
On June 30, 1951, she married Harley Pierce in Kalamazoo.
Mrs. Pierce grew up in a large family of nine children. Following her graduation from high school, she worked at Upjohn Company until her marriage, at which time she became a domestic engineer for more than 60 years and the personal secretary of coach Pierce.
She was a star fast-pitch softball pitcher, playing on a state championship team and her favorite hobby was playing video poker in Las Vegas.
She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of nearly 61 years, Harley; a son, Harley (Mary) Pierce Jr.; grandchildren Kerry Pillars, Carl, Walter and Stefan Tokorchick; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Peter C. (Elaine) Longjohn; special canine friends Gizmo and Samuel; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Florence and Henrietta; and five brothers, William, John, Henry, Edward and Gabriel.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Eva L. Pierce will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Robert Keim will officiate. A graveside committal will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Pierce’s memory consider the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 5100 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20016; or the Sturgis High School athletic department, 216 Vinewood Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
