Obituary: Mary 'Mimi' Pierce, 64

The following obituary was provided by the Pierce family.

Mary (known as Mimi) passed away on June 6, 2012 at her home in North Kingstown after a challenging battle with primary peritoneal cancer.  She is survived and celebrated by her beloved husband of 25 years, Dr. Calvin J. Pierce; her much loved children, Danielle Richards of Edinburgh, Scotland – born of her first marriage, Sarah Pierce and Zachary Pierce of North Kingstown; and her siblings Jeannette Richards of Tiburon, CA, Lucy Gratteau of Reno, NV, and Walter Dilg of La Jolla, CA.

Mimi was born on June 13, 1948 to Mary Jeannette and Walter Cabble Dilg and grew up in Hewlett, NY.  She graduated from high school in Glen Ellen, IL. She studied art, graduating with a BFA from Albion College in 1969. In 1982, she earned a BA in psychology from SUNY at Buffalo. While working on a doctorate in developmental psychology, she worked in research on depression and compliance with treatment for pediatric cancer patients at Roswell Park Institute, Buffalo, NY.  She resided in Fox Chapel, PA (1987-1998) prior to moving to North Kingstown, RI.  Later work included administrative assistance at her husband's dental practice. She was an active member of AAUW.

In her early years, Mimi played and taught guitar. She continued to pursue her interest in art and music with her family throughout her life. In more recent years, Mimi shared her poetry with the Poet's Voices of North Kingstown, enjoyed cruising the New England coastline, daydreaming, singing and playing folk guitar. Passionately creative, she was a positive influence and joy to others.

A Memorial service celebrating Mimi's life will be held at the at 6 p.m. on Wednesday June 20. A reception with refreshments will follow. A private burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Boston on Friday June 22. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (www.OCRF.org).