Lorna Pieres

Lorna R Pieres was born February 1, 1918 in Sutherland, Iowa, the daughter of Oliver and Bessie Cook Smith. She grew up there, working at the local creamery and showcasing her singing talents at many school and community musical events. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls with a teaching degree in 1940. She then taught elementary school in Larrabee and Hartley, Iowa for four years. While in college, she met Gerald Pieres, whom she married on December 29, 1945 in Sutherland. They raised their four children in New Hampton and Des Moines, Iowa. Lorna was known for her wonderfully delicious baking skills, especially her Sunday morning cinnamon rolls. She was a volunteer for many years at Mercy Hospital's Breast Cancer Detection Center and a member of the choir at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church in Des Moines. They began wintering in Sun City in 1980, before becoming permanent residents in 1985. It was here she discovered her skill for china painting, an award winning passion she continued well into her 90's. Her husband, Gerald, died on September 5, 1999. Lorna was funny, a little ornery and a lot independent! She always looked sharp in nicely pressed clothes and of course matching jewelry. She enjoyed visiting with anyone, playing cards and family dinners especially when the “fun ones”, better known as the Peterson clan, was in attendance. She is survived by her children Mariann (Gary) Peterson, Jerry (Debbie) Pieres, both of Sun City, Arizona, and Patrick (Jill Boss) Pieres, Camanche, Iowa, Joel Helke (son-in-law) Rockville MD, 6 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, two brothers, daughter Cinda Pieres Helke, and daughter-in-law Danielle Pieres. *****In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Lorna’s favored charities. They politely request that checks be written out under the organizations name and given to the family, so they can thank everyone appropriately. Donations can be made to 4 Paws or Hospice of the Valley.******