Esther Pauline Pierce's Obituary
Esther Pauline Pierce, 93, passed away quietly on June 15th, 2024. She was born on July 13, 1930, the only daughter of Leo and Pauline Gerl-Bostjancic , both of whom had recently emigrated from the Republic of Slovenia. She was preceded in death by her brother Leo.
Esther attended Collinwood high school in Cleveland and graduated among the top in her Class of 1948. She was bilingual and immersed in the culture of her Slovenian neighborhood as a child.
After graduation, Esther met her beloved husband Gary Pierce, who was attending Ohio University in Athens. Shortly thereafter, they began a marriage which would span 65 glorious years, ending with Gary’s passing in 2016.
Esther was bright, clever and no doubt would have been accomplished academically had she not loved caring for her immediate as well as her extended maternal and paternal families. She typically could be found reading two or three books at a time and was a well known patron of the North Olmsted library.
She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons: Mark Pierce of Upper Arlington, Ohio and Jeffrey Pierce of Camden, South Carolina; grandchildren: Kristy (Brad) Lantz, Madeline Pierce, Paul Pierce, and Kara (Shawn) Short; great-grandchildren: Kariana, Grayson, Olivia, McKenzie, Atalaya, and Isla: and Donna Sembaluk who she considered a daughter and spent several of her last years residing with.
Esther lived a long and marvelous life and is now Home where she belongs, with her endeared Gary. Semper Iuncti: Together Forever. You may embrace her memory as she lives within the hearts and lives of those she touched and who carry her gifts: Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and of course those generations yet to come.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2014, at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the start of the funeral services at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Donations may be directed to the Cuyahoga County Public Libraries.
What’s your fondest memory of Esther?
What’s a lesson you learned from Esther?
Share a story where Esther's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Esther you’ll never forget.
How did Esther make you smile?