Kay Pierce, a native of Buhl, Minnesota, and a resident of Falls Church for the past seven years, passed away Thursday, September 28, after an extended illness. She was 79. She was the sixth of 10 children of Matilda (Bacich) and John Strilich.
Ms. Pierce was a graduate of the Minneapolis Business College, was employed by Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, MN from 1948 – 1950, the US Army in Japan from 1950 – 1952, the City of Buhl, MN for 16 years, and retired from the St. Louis County District Court Office in Hibbing, MN. Ms. Pierce was an avid cross country skier, enjoyed golf, curling, ice skating, and she loved to read. She also served as a Girl Scout leader for several years and did volunteer work for the Girl Scouts. Throughout her life, Ms. Pierce continually toiled to rejuvenate her mental and physical strengths. Her appetite for knowledge never ceased. She loved to read and she kept up on current political and environmental issues.
Although Ms. Pierce loved the bucolic environment of northern Minnesota, she moved to Falls Church, VA in 1999 to be with her daughter and daughter’s family. While in Falls Church she worked part-time at the Mary Riley Styles Library.
Ms. Pierce is survived by a daughter, Nancy Pierce (David Butts), grandchildren Katja and Beau Butts of Falls Church, VA and Amanda Ann Butts of York, PA, a brother, Bill Strilich in Cedar Rapids, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews with whom she was very close.
A family member wrote, “An understanding of the authentic character of Ms. Pierce is conceptualized when one witnesses her appreciation for life. She found such joy in observing a snowfall, a sunset, a leaf. This love of God’s work carried over in the nurturing of her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by so many whom she has tenderly touched.”
A memorial service will be held at Dulin United Methodist Church, Falls Church, VA on October 8 at 4:00 p.m. by Pastor Davies Kirkland. Another memorial service and the interment will be held in Buhl, MN at a later date. The family requests that memorials may be made to Capital Hospice, www.capitalhospice.org/support/memorial.
