In her Oak Harbor home on July 17, 2018, with great dignity and surrounded by the love of devoted family, Irmgard Neissl Pierson passed peacefully from this life to the next. She was born on Jan. 18, 1930 in Munich, Germany to Mathias and Marianna (Baader) Neissl and experienced and survived a remarkable, tumultuous youth.

As a young adult, Irmgard traveled Europe, studied the secretarial arts in England, and eventually met and married an American Air Force pilot, Hugh C. Pierson, in her hometown. In 1956, they moved to the United States, where they raised three children who always remained their biggest shared passion.

Irmgard returned to Germany and worked as a tour guide before spending the last 26 years of her life in Oak Harbor. She always supported humanitarian causes that she held dear with compassion, time and whatever money she could spare. Irmgard enjoyed the arts and was a lifelong learner who rarely missed a weekly history class at the Senior Center. One of her greatest passions to the end of her days was keeping current with her long list of varied and dear friends.

Her heartfelt, often witty communication style brought joy to many. Irmgard leaves behind her saddened but grateful children Peter and partner Michelle, Karin and husband Jim, and Paige and spouse DeeDee; adoring grandchildren Nathan, Maggie and Logan; beloved sister Herta; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. Donations in her memory may be made to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation or Heifer International.