Vanita C. Pierce, 72, passed away on Monday, November 26, 2018 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.
A celebration of life honoring Vanita will be held on Sunday, January 20th, 2019 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm at the Gouverneur VFW. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.
Vanita was born in Russell on June 10, 1946, the daughter of Raymond A. and Evelyn Waldo Taylor.
She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1965 and attended classes at BOCES.
Vanita married Gordon F. Pierce on June 27, 1965 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley E. Brown officiating.
Gordon, a retired employee of James River Paper Company, passed away on July 14, 2006.
She worked many years at Camp Drum in food services and at the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Vanita also operated Vanita’s Cake Shop in the Gouverneur Mini-Mall and was a volunteer driver for St. Lawrence County social services. Besides baking, she enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, camping, gardening, collecting angel memorabilia, and spending time with family, especially her grandkids. Vanita attended the Fullerville and Richville Churches, was a member of the Gouverneur VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and had served as a Girl Scout leader.
Vanita is survived by her children Evelyn R and Derek B Utter of Richville, William E and Katie Pierce of Fowler, Anna M and Tim Tracy of South Glens Falls, grandchildren James W Pierce of Wisconsin, Rebekah M Pierce of Albany, William E Pierce II of Plattsburgh, Sierra M Frederick and Katelyn R Pierce of Albany, Alexander J Frederick of South Glens Falls, Timothy M Pierce of Plattsburgh, Alexis R Utter of Richville, Megan Tracy of South Glens Falls, and great grandson Michael F Pierce of Wisconsin. She is also survived by her siblings Ronald A Taylor of Fowler, Norma J Soloff of Florida, Mary L Simmons of Missouri, Raymond A Taylor Jr of Michigan, Arthur L Taylor of Gouverneur, Janet M Facey of Edwards, Elva M Taylor of Washington, Gladys Reese of California, Marty Reese Sr of Edwards, many nieces and nephews including Linda Seymour and her family who took such great care of her in her final days. Vanita is predeceased by her husband Gordon, her parents, siblings Raymond A, Evelyn M, Paul E, Baby Girl, and April E Taylor, Rosie Prashaw, Theron "Sonny" Bice, Leslie E, Wayne J, Leland F, and Arnold R Taylor.
Memorial donations in Vanita’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.