Mary Ina Pierce

Mary Ina Pierce, 100, of Rockton, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018 after a brief illness. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 7, 1918 to Harold and Ina May (Osterhous) Fish. Mary married Malcom Pierce in February of 1941 and celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Mary was one of the first team of employees at Rockford Memorial Hospital and retired from the hospital after approximately 25 years of service as head cashier. After retiring, Mary and her husband would grab a map and head out on a road trip. They eventually found a new home in Safford, Arizona where they lived for 25 years. They enjoyed the dry climate, sunshine and meeting new friends. Rock hunting and jewelry making became their new hobbies, as well as exploring the new terrain and countryside of Arizona.

Mary loved people and never wanted to miss out on any gatherings. She celebrated her 100th birthday in March with a party with family and friends and enjoyed her last birthday dinner at the Olive Garden with a Bloody Mary and a great meal. She was an avid reader and completed the daily crossword puzzles. She also was fond of both cats and dogs and always wanted to pet them when she saw one.

Survivors include her daughter, Janet (Steve) DeCori; daughter-in-law, NettaBell (Girard) Pierce of Riverton, WY; cousins and numerous friends. Predeceased by her husband, Malcolm and son, Edward.

Sincere thank you to her special friend/companion/caregiver for several years and Barbara Betts and her team at Best Home Care of Northern Illinois. Also to the great medical staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital for their compassion and care during her recent illness. Your special care of Mary was much appreciated.

A memorial service will he held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 10:45 a.m. at Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory, Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main St., Roscoe, Illinois 61073 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 North 1st St., Rockford, Illinois 61107 or Arbor Day Foundation, Trees In Memory Program, 211 North 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508 (888-448-7337) 

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