Rosemarie Pierce

Rosemarie Pierce, 70, died Dec. 6, 2009, at her Aptos, Calif., residence.

She was born July 26, 1939, in Bethel. She had lived in Santa Cruz County, Calif., for the past 47 years.

She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Marie Petersen, pioneer Alaskan settlers. Her father is recognized as instrumental is establishing air transportation throughout Alaska. He was one of the founders of Northern Consolidated Airlines. The family also operated several lodges throughout the Alaskan wilderness, catering to visitors interested in outdoor activities including fishing, hunting and bear-viewing.

Mrs. Pierce graduated from Anchorage High School in 1957 and attended the University of Alaska and Seattle University. She was a stewardess for Northern Consolidated Airlines prior to her marriage and move from Alaska.

She was devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed following the performance of both the San Francisco Giants baseball team and the San Francisco 49ers football team.

She most recently was the patient accounts manager for the Visiting Nurses Association in Santa Cruz.

Mrs. Pierce is survived by her husband of 47 years, Fred Pierce of Aptos; her three sons, Garrett of South Carolina, Cal of Aptos, and Brent of Sonora, Calif.; her brothers, Chuck Petersen of San Diego and Sonny Petersen of Alaska; her sister, Susan Petersen of Montana; and 10 grandchildren.

Her final resting place will be at Grosvenor Camp in Katmai National Park.

Arrangements are with Oakwood Memorial Chapel.