A Funeral Mass for Mary Catherine Pierson, age 83, of O'Neill, will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday, November 13, 2017, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Sunday, 5-7:00 P.M., with a 7:00 P.M. Catholic Daughter and Parish Rosary at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Mary passed away peacefully at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill on Thursday, November 9, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or St. Mary's Schools.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Mary was born on June 20, 1934 in Bonesteel, SD to John B and Florence Schmitz.  She attended grade K-11 in Bonesteel, and graduated from O'Neill St. Mary's.  After graduating, she taught at multiple rural schools before marrying Lewis Pierson on July 19th 1955 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Shortly after marrying they moved to Mt. Holly, New Jersey, until Lew got out of the Navy, and then returned home where the next chapter of her life began.  Their marriage would bring 8 wonderful children into this world.  Even with a family to care for, Mary managed to find time to work for the local radio station, KBRX, for 5 years before working as assistant Holt County Superintendent of schools, which is where she would retire from after 22 years in 2003.  Even after retirement, Mary managed to keep herself busy.  You could usually find her out golfing or bowling, depending on the seasons.  She enjoyed spending time outdoors, traveling, and visiting family.

Mary was a very active member of her community and parish.  She was a member of Catholic Daughters, St. Patrick's Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Nebraska 600 Bowling Club, NE Women's Amateur Golf Association, United States Bowling Congress, Franciscan Associate Member, St. Patrick's Funeral & Traditional Choir, and also a Lector.

She is survived by Lewis, her husband of 62 years, 7 children; John Pierson and wife Beth of Omaha, NE, David Pierson and wife Billie of Portland, OR, Mike Pierson and wife Mary of Grand Island, NE, Connie Soukup and husband Steve of O'Neill, NE, Joe Pierson and wife Kari of St. Paul, NE, Marian Wallen and husband Bob of Beatrice, NE, Patti Barber and husband Henry of Fairfax, VA, 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 2 sisters; Laurine Huston and husband Kenneth, of Emmett, NE, Midge Clark of Elkhorn, NE, and one brother, Jerry Schmitz and wife Kathy of O'Neill, NE.

She was preceded in death by her son, Tom Pierson, parents John and Florence Schmitz, and brother Jim Schmitz.