Carol Pierce

Carol Kelly Pierce

MANSFIELD: Carol Kelly Pierce, 67, of Mansfield died April 1, 2015 at her home on Maple Street from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Carol was born September 8, 1947 in Canton to Edward "Ned" Baehrens and Betty Sorrell Baehrens. She was a 1965 graduate of Mansfield Senior High.

Carol had a successful career helping Ohioans with disabilities, first at Progress Industries as a work evaluator and then for more than twenty-five years as a rehabilitation counselor at the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. She was awarded Counselor of the Year in 1999 and 2002. She continued as a coordinator at Richland County Pathways after retiring. She was a former long-standing member of First English Lutheran Church in Mansfield where she sang in the choir. She was an avid gardener whose patio was a popular visiting spot for friends and wildlife. She honed a wry sense of humor growing up the elder sister of four brothers and was amused by the ironies of life.

She is survived by her mother, Betty Baehrens; children, Sarah Pierce (Stephen) Russell and Matthew Stransky; granddaughter, Katilyn Stransky; brothers, Stephen (Deb) Baehrens of Poway, California, Scott (Angela) Baehrens of Kailua, Hawaii, Jim (Sue) Baehrens of Port Clinton, Ohio, and Bruce (Christine Colledge) Baehrens of Bellville, Ohio; her nephews, Blaize Baehrens and Hunter Baehrens; her nieces, Megan Baehrens, Stephanie Baehrens, Holly Baehrens, Aimee Baehrens, Kelsey Baehrens and Emma Baehrens; and many friends, relatives and co-workers.

A celebration of life will take place in Carol's garden later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Richland County, 3025 Park Avenue West, Ontario, OH 44906.