Glorietta Pierson, 84, longtime Oak Harbor resident, passed on Oct. 1, 2004 surrounded by her loving family at Whidbey General, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Pierson was born on May 22, 1920, in Bremerton, to Herman Nygren and Alma (Nicklason) Nygren. She was raised in Madera, Calif., where she graduated from high school. She attended the San Francisco School of Business where she graduated and later worked as an executive secretary for a local confectioner.
Sept. 7, 1940, Glorietta married Frederick T. Prael in Nevada. She traveled with her husband to his duty stations while he served as an aviator in the U.S. Navy. In 1953 they were reassigned to VP-2 at NAS Whidbey Island with their three children. In Jan. 1954, Glorietta was widowed when Frederick was determined to be missing in action as result of the Korean War.
In 1957, Glorietta married William S. Pierson. During her marriage to William, she had her last two children. While raising her family Glorietta worked for the City of Oak Harbor as the Court Clerk. Glorietta was a gifted piano player as a result of many years of study and the numerous forums in which she played. Additionally, she loved the Pacific Northwest and the life it offered in camping and boating. Glorietta was an avid bridge player and most enjoyed the various bridge clubs of which she was a member. She also gave generously of her time to assisting longtime friends in Oak Harbor throughout their lives.
Glorietta is survived by her husband William Pierson at home; five children, Dr. Frederick Prael of Freeland; Carol Lee (Ray) Martell of Port Angeles; Penny (Lee) Amsler of Redmond, Bill Pierson of Oak Harbor and Randy (Sherri) Pierson of Oak Harbor; ten grandchildren, Kate and Trace Prael, Rayelle Thanheiser, Dana Martell; Kelly, Mitchell and Lisa Amsler; Brooke, Alyssa and Shelby Pierson; stepmother, Bessie Nygren of Madera, Calif.; one sister, Lorraine Freeman of Madera, Calif., and her cousin Edy Eschen of San Leandro Calif.
A private memorial service was held Oct. 6, Pastor Grafton Robinson officiating. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.
