Obituary of Jean R. Pierce

Jean R. Pierce, 95, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024.  She was born on July 7, 1928, in Utica.  She was the daughter of John and Freida (Zimmerman) Miller.  She graduated in 1946 from Utica Free Academy.  On September 16, 1955, she married Robert Pierce of Utica at Olivet Presbyterian Church.  Jean and Robert were married for 51 years until he passed away in 2007.

Jean worked for many years as a mathematics aide for the Utica City School District.  After completing her associate degree in Human Services at Empire State College she worked as an outreach worker at Utica City Hall; for Country Club Court Apartments; and most recently as the Osteo Coordinator at Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP).

Jean's interests included playing mahjong at the Jewish Community Center of Utica; her love of animals; assembling jigsaw puzzles; watching movies; and her Episcopal faith.  She also enjoyed frequent visits to Oneida Lake.

Jean was predeceased by her son, David Pierce, by her son-in-law, Jim Heal, and by a newborn son, Robert. She was also predeceased by her best friend, Shirley Rice.  Jean is survived by her daughters, Cathy Conlon (Joe), Jane Heal, and Anne Pierce Yates (Jay); and by David's wife, Janet Brown.  She is also survived by six grandchildren (Ryan, Kelly, Freida, Abe, Athalia, and Randy), six great grandchildren, and many friends, including the Sparks family.  

Jean's family would like to thank the staff of the Chestnut section of the Sitrin Health Care Center in New Hartford for their wonderful care during the past 16 months. 

 Visiting hours, followed by a brief service, will be on Saturday, March 16 from 2 to 4 pm at R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, located at 10 E Park Row, Clinton, NY 13323.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Broome County Dog Shelter at 110 Cutler Pond Road, Binghamton, NY 13905.