Barbara J. Pierce, 95, Marblehead, MA

Barbara Pierce, wife of the late Carl Pierce, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home on November 3, 2016. She was born on August 8, 1921, the daughter of the late Willard P. and Blanche (Mason) Jackson.

Barbara was born and raised in Marblehead, and after marrying her sweetheart, Carl Pierce, in 1939, she moved to the shipyard section of Marblehead, spending time sailing and racing in the Town Class with her husband. She was employed at Canniffe's Menswear in Marblehead and later worked for Joe Green Insurance until her retirement. Barbara was a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, a religious education teacher and a long time communicant of Star of the Sea Church. She spent time as a warden at the polls in Marblehead, officially "retiring" and being honored by the town for her service in 2004.

Her greatest passions were her love of family and friends and she enjoyed cooking and entertaining. She enjoyed sailing, golfing, skiing and walking the neck with her husband every day at 5 a.m.  She was also passionate about her home - decorating it and tending to her magnificent Gardens. Most of all, Barbara was compassionate, kind and a friend to all.

She is survived by her four children: Cynthia Costello of Delray Beach Florida, Rit Pierce, Suzanne Fiore, and Nancy Smith all of Marblehead.  She had a special place in her heart for her 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Dr. Robert F. Jackson of Marblehead and her sister Priscilla Mortensen of Long Beach, California.

At the request of the family, no visiting hours will take place. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday November 12, 2016 at 10AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church 80 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA 01945.  Arrangements by Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (corner of North St.) Salem, MA 01970.  For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497. In lieu of flowers please consider performing a random act of kindness in Barbara's memory.