Nancy Pierson Obituary

Nancy Joanne Pierson passed away on March 9, 2025 in San Jose, CA. She was born on February 13, 1939, to Earl and Jessie Pierson. She graduated from Colfax High School in 1957 and went on to graduate from Washington State University.

Nancy was gifted with a beautiful mezzo-soprano voice and was a skilled pianist. After graduating from college, she began her career teaching music in the Spokane public schools. During her first year, she lived at home in Colfax and commuted to Spokane, working as an itinerant music teacher. While she couldn't carry her piano with her, she became quite adept at moving them, along with her cart of instruments, from class to class, stage areas, or even corners of the gym. She loved to share the story that after her first year of teaching, her parents thought it was time for her to find a place of her own—so she did, in San Francisco, California! From then on, she was a California girl at heart.

With her adventurous spirit and the grit and determination that came from growing up in a family of nine children—including four brothers—Nancy embraced the exciting new world of the Bay Area. She first made her home in a third-floor walk-up before later settling into a beautiful apartment on the 10th floor, with views of Washington Park and the San Francisco cityscape.

Upon moving to California, Nancy left teaching and transitioned into the business world, where she quickly made a name for herself as the office manager of the Van Ness Dodge/Chrysler dealership. She was instrumental in helping many dealerships successfully navigate the transition into the computer age, becoming a highly sought-after office manager, secretary, and treasurer.

In 1984, Nancy co-founded P/R Lease Co. with fellow auto industry leader George Riggs. The company acted as a broker, introducing buyers and sellers of auto dealerships, in addition to operating a body shop and managing other business ventures. After moving to San Jose in 1993, she continued working with P/R Lease Co., Celebrity Dodge, and eventually retired in 2010 as the Business Manager of Joe Kerley Lincoln, Mercury, Jeep, and Eagle.

Nancy was not only successful in her professional life—she also led an active and fulfilling personal life. As a woman in the car business, she learned to play the game—the game of golf, that is. Standing at 5'7", she played with men's clubs and was a card-carrying member of the Presidio Ladies Golf Club, where she developed an excellent game. She also had a

deep appreciation for music, particularly jazz, and the Bay Area provided a magical backdrop for enjoying live performances.

Her greatest love, however, was her family—her parents, her aunts, uncles and cousins, her brothers and sisters, their spouses, and their children. She was the favored aunt of many nieces and nephews, loving and supporting them as if they were her own. Nancy also had a deep affection for animals, especially her beloved poodles. From her first toy poodle, Scotch, in San Francisco to the many four-legged companions she raised over the years, her pets were always a cherished part of her life. After her passing, as condolences poured in, one of the first questions people asked was who would care for her latest companion, Jasper. He was lovingly adopted by her brother Randy and sister-in-law Jan.

Nancy is survived by her brother, Randy Pierson, and his wife, Jan, her sister-in-law, Jill Pierson, and her sister, Sally Pierson Russom. She also leaves behind 10 nieces, 5 nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she cherished deeply.

It has been said that a life is measured not only by what one accomplishes but also by how one is remembered. Nancy did great things in her lifetime, and she will be remembered just as greatly—for her sparkly eyes, infectious laugh, intelligence, wit, perseverance, kindness, and generosity.

Funeral Services for Nancy will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax. On-line condolences may be made at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com