Loved gardening, puzzles and the ocean
MELROSE — Dorothy A.” Dottie” (Pierce) Pearl, a loved and lifelong member of Melrose passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17 at the age of 93. Born on December 27, 1930 in Melrose, Dottie was one of four children of the late Captain Frank C. and Annie (Coffin) Pierce.
Dottie was a proud graduate of Melrose High School, class of 1949 and attended Malden Business School. She dedicated 27 years of her life as an Administrative Secretary at Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary in Boston, retiring in 1976. She then went to work as a Computer Operator at Lam Lighting Systems in Wakefield, retiring in 1991.
In her retirement, she selflessly gave back by volunteering. She was the past president of AARP Chapter #1124, volunteered at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital Gift Shop and provided transportation to medical appointments through FISH. Her kind and generous spirit touched the lives of many in need.
Dottie was the loving wife of the late William L. Pearl and they shared 19 wonderful years together. In her later years she enjoyed the company of her loving companion, the late Preston S. Johnso, and they shared 14 years together. They enjoyed taking many wonderful trips. A lifelong and devout member of the First United Methodist Church in Melrose, Dottie found solace and community within her faith.
Throughout her life, Dottie found joy in the simple pleasures. She nurtured a love for gardening, had a knack for puzzles, cherished time spent by the ocean and delighted in the adventures of travel. In 2001, she made Cochrane House her home where she formed lasting friendships and embraced the vibrant community around her.
Dottie’s presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and gratitude of those whose lives she touched.
Dottie was the beloved wife of the late William L. Pearl with whom she shared 19 years of marriage and companion of the late Preston S. Smith. Loving step-mother of Patricia A. Jozsa and her husband Alex of Saugus. Cherished sister of the late Frank C. and J. Robert Pierce and the late Helen M. Foose. Proud grandmother of Michael and Jeffrey Jozsa. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and their extended families.
Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to honor Dottie’s life by gathering on Wednesday, May 22 at First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose for her funeral service celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Dottie were made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114. For online tribute, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
