Anita J. Pierce, 70, Elementary School Teacher

She was born on July 3, 1931 in Lorain and had been a lifelong resident.

She was a graduate of the Stephens College in Missouri, Ohio State University and Baldwin-Wallace College. She held a Masters Degree in Education and continued her studies throughout her life.

She was an elementary school teacher in the Lorain School System for 42 years retiring in 1998.

She was named a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, was a member of the Lakeland Women's Club, Phi Delta Kappan and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Lorain. She enjoyed traveling and the culinary arts, especially recreating some of her favorite dishes she had eaten while traveling. She also enjoyed music and played the violin, winning numerous music awards.

Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Linwood T. "Bill" Pierce of Lorain, daughters, Suzanne Wallace of Avon and Kathryn Pierce of Lorain; and her mother, Marie Duskey of Lorain.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Duskey, a daughter, Virginia and a brother Robert.

Friends may call Tuesday, May 21, 2002 from 4-8 p.m. at the Dombrowski-Volak-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Ave., Lorain.

Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 418 15th Street, Lorain. Rev. Robert J. Glepko will officiate. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to New Life Hospice, 5255 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035.