Shirley Bowker Pierce, formerly of Marblehead, died peacefully on April 15, 2015 in San Diego, California. She was the devoted wife of R. Dana Pierce who died in 1988 and the devoted companion of John H. Leary for 24 years before his passing in 2012. Born in June 29, 1923 to Leo W. Bowker and Anna Louise Arnold, she graduated from Salem Classical and High School in 1940.

Shirley enlisted in the Navy (Waves) during World War II and served as pharmacist mate in the Naval Hospital in Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon her honorable discharge from the Navy, she enrolled and graduated from Eisher Junior College with an Associate Degree in Business Education in 1944 and Salem State College where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962.

She worked as a medical secretary for 15 years and as a teacher at The Winthrop School in Hamilton, Massachusetts. She married her husband in 1964 and their son was born in 1968. Shirley was a devoted member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Marblehead. She was a past Grand Regent of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court Salem. She volunteered at the Marblehead Food Pantry for many years. She was a member of Salem Country Club for over 60 years. She was a passionate gardener and loved spending time in her perennial gardens.

Shirley is survived by her son, Dana W. Pierce, his wife, Nikale and their children Jack and Kate of San Diego, California, a sister, Jeanne Cunningham, a brother, Richard Bowker both of Peabody, a niece, Kathleen Hart of Maine and New Hampshire, a nephew, William Cunningham of Salem and several grand nieces and grand nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Frederick Arnold Bowker, two nieces, Nancy Manning and Patti Hazzard, a grand nephew, Scott Manning and a sister in law, Alice Bowker.

The Funeral Mass for Shirley Pierce will be held Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., in Marblehead. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to My Brother's Table, 98 Willow St., Lynn, MA 01901. Arrangements are under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem. For additional information or online guest book please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFunrealHome.com .