Jerrold E. and Suzanne Pierce

Jerry and Suzanne passed away quietly nine days apart, never learning of the
other’s departure. Both entered this world in Mankato, Minnesota, by the same pediatrician, Dr. R.N. Andrews; however, they did not meet until their college years and are now leaving this earthly life together. Jerry and Suzanne were loving partners, parents, grand, and great-grandparents. They were married just short of seventy years and resided in their Arizona home until just a few days before passing. Together they reached the age of ninety-five.

Suzanne completed her bachelor’s degree studying at both William Woods College, Missouri, and the University of Minnesota. Jerry completed undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa and Minnesota and then served two years as a sergeant in the United States Army. Long-term military service was not for him, and after marrying Sue, in 1953, they moved for a short period to Houston, Texas, and then resettled in San Francisco for a little over ten years. Jerry received a master’s degree from San Francisco State University. In the mid 1960s, to raise their young family, they purchased their first home in San Ramon, California.

In their careers, Suzanne worked for a local Minnesota radio station, worked for the Campfire Girls, and later committed to being a full-time homemaker. Jerry worked for McCann Erickson Agency and then started an agency with a partner, Richard Strain, naming the agency Pierce & Strain Advertising, San Francisco. A few years into the partnership Jerry became the sole owner. The primary accounts were in agriculture and Jerry was a member of the National Agri Marketing Assoc. (NAMA). Pierce & Strain Advertising made the San Francisco Chronicle’s Herb Caen column a few times for the obvious amusement of its name. While living in San Ramon, Sue volunteered a couple of days a month for the local Walnut Creek Tearoom, she and Jerry both played Bridge, and they dined out with friends on Friday or Saturday nights. Jerry sold the business at his retirement. He and Sue then moved to Arizona for twenty-plus years of sunshine, golf, swimming, dancing, and annual summer car trips to the cottage home, Mon Repos, on Lake Koronis, Minnesota; both were true midwesterners. Throughout their marriage, Sue enjoyed home decorating, collecting and organizing family heirlooms, and attending to all the family album pictures. Jerry drew comics as a teenager and adult, made many family 16mm films, was the family still photographer, and always found time for a round of golf. Sue kept everything perfectly organized and thoughtfully displayed throughout the home, then a few years ago added the challenge of her email account. Jerry could always tell a good story with ample humor; each knew the others' quirks but found harmony in the balance of a long life together. Both were avid readers. Both were devoted to each other, rarely apart in retirement, and lived fully and independently until their closing days.

In addition to their parents, Jerry was predeceased by his sister, Patricia. Both are survived by their children Diane Pierce and partner, Scott Pierce and spouse, Becky Pierce, grandchildren, Briana (Pierce) Rawlinson, and Megan Pierce, and their great-grandchildren, Lily Rawlinson, and Ryder Rawlinson. Suzanne is survived by her brother, Skip Sampson, and wife, Joan. A private family memorial will be determined for a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, 13459 W. Stardust Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375.