Deborah J Pierce's Obituary
Deborah J. Pierce, “Debbie” of Hopewell Township, passed suddenly early Tuesday morning
February 27, 2024 at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia. Although she had been in
declining health due to Good Pasture’s Disease, her death was unexpected.
Born February 11, 1948 in Bridgeton, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth “Buck” and
Emily (Pearce) Loatman, and the loving wife of Joseph Pierce and mother of Erica (Shrimp) and Allison (Whicker).
Debbie grew up on the family farm in Greenwich. She attended Greenwich Elementary
School and Bridgeton High School graduating with the class of 1966. After high school, she
worked for several years doing secretarial work with Morris April Orchards. She later worked for Hopewell Township School as a Cafeteria Aide; then worked at the former Stratton Bros Company in Bridgeton. Following that, she served as a secretary for Dr. Feinstein’s office until finally retiring from the Cumberland County Family Court.
Debbie loved keeping a meticulous home, with the help of her friend Lysol. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and trying new recipes, reading, and indulging in arts and crafts. She was a former Girl Scout Leader and was also active in Hopewell Township PTA. Debbie always enjoyed the road trips she and Joe took together. She loved being by the water and enjoyed summer vacations with her children and grandchildren on the lakes of New York and Virginia, as well as trips to Disney World and her girls’ trip to Europe. Debbie cherished quality time spent with her grandchildren, passing along her wisdom and sass. In December, Debbie was overjoyed to welcome her third grandchild. In short, her greatest joy in life was her family.
The love Joe and Debbie shared was a beautiful partnership. Debbie was a woman of remarkable strength and courage. In the face of adversity over the last few years, she stood unwavering, her spirit unbroken. Beneath her stern exterior lay a heart of gold, boundless love, and an unyielding commitment to those she held dear.
Debbie is survived by her husband Joe of 53 years, her daughters; Erica Shrimp and husband
James of Downingtown, PA, Allison Whicker and husband Timothy of Pennsburg, PA, her
brother, Kenneth Loatman of Quinton Twp., sister Elaine Webster and husband Mark of Upper
Deerfield Twp., her loving grandchildren, Joanna Shrimp, Joshua Shrimp, and Jackson
Whicker, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held on Sunday from 11:30 until 1:00pm for family and friends at the funeral
home. Services will be held privately for immediate family only with burial following in Fernwood Memorial Park, Hopewell Twp.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Debbie be made to the National Kidney Foundation online at http://www.kidney.org/donate or by mail:
National Kidney Foundation
1900 Market Street, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19013
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