Lois Mae Pierson

age 93, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 23, 2013, at her home in Sandia Park. She was born in 1920 in Illinois and grew up in Pennsylvania. Lois was a minister's daughter and developed a strong sense of Christian values that guided her entire life. She began her teaching career after graduating from Westminster College and, several years later, set out on her first adventure to French Cameroon to teach the children of missionaries. There she met Hugh O. Pierson and they soon married. After their return to the States, the first of five children, Hugh Jr., was born followed by Lois Karen, George Douglas, Patricia Rey, and Kenneth Robert. Each of the children was born in a different state, but the family established roots in the East Mountains in 1960. Lois resumed teaching at San Antonito Elementary School where she remained for 31 years. She influenced hundreds of children and left a lasting legacy. Lois and Hugh grieved the death of Hugh Jr. in 1968 and Patti in 1991. Lois helped Patti's husband, Curtis Johnson, raise their two children, Patrick and Hannah, as Curtis rebuilt his life in the East Mountains. She enjoyed spending time with all her family including: Doug's wife, Beth Leonard, and their daughter, Emma; Kenny's wife, Julie Ludwick, and their son, Alexander; and Lois Karen's husband, Nick Mullins. Lois considered Amy Robinson, and Curtis and Amy's daughter, Claire, as family. She is much loved by her family and will be greatly missed. Throughout her life, Lois was active in church life, cherished her friends, loved chocolate, was an avid reader, and never lost her sense of adventure. She explored the world with family and friends, going from Alaska to the Amazon, China to Russia, proudly traveling to all seven continents. In her own words, Lois "lived until she died." A celebration of her life was held at First Presbyterian Church on September 30, 2013, and her ashes were interred at Fairview Memorial Park. For anyone wishing to remember her through donations, contributions may be made to Hummingbird Music Camp Scholarship, 104 Hummingbird Lane, Jemez Springs, NM 87025.