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BORN
1955
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Claudia Pierson Obituary
Sept. 23, 1955 - April 3, 2015
Resident of San Jose
On April third the world lost a beautiful person, both inside and out. Claudia passed away after a heroic three year battle with both breast and ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jim Pierson, two daughters, Lisa Pierson Gessner (Matt) and Laura Pierson, her mother, Geraldine Gama, and sister, Doreen Farr. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Gama.
Claudia was born and lived most of her life in San Jose. She graduated from Pioneer High School in 1973 and attended San Jose State University. Immediately after high school Claudia began her career working at several early Silicon Valley companies. In 1985, she left her job at IBM so she could do the job she always wanted to do, stay home and raise her children. She said it was the best decision she ever made. Claudia stayed busy volunteering both at the girls' schools and at her church. During that time she volunteered in various capacities but was especially passionate about youth ministry, which she remained closely involved in until her illness forced her to stop.
To say Claudia was a devoted mother, wife, daughter and sister is an understatement. She was incredibly nurturing. Nothing made her happier than taking care of her family and spending time with them. In her spare time Claudia loved to entertain. She loved cooking, but especially loved baking. She had a lively, vibrant spirit, a great sense of humor and had the unique ability of making everyone around her feel comfortable. She was a wonderful listener and a great friend. Her positive attitude, strong will and ability to find humor in the little things, even during the final stages of her life, was admirable to many. Although she will be missed, her incredible spirit lives on.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 2:00pm at Willow Glen United Methodist Church, 1420 Newport Ave., San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Willow Glen UMC in memory of Claudia Pierson. All proceeds will go directly to the Joint Youth Ministry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claudia Pierson
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
April 18, 2015
Jim, Laura, Lisa and Matt,
Kitty and I send our deepest condolences for your loss of Claudia. Though she is no longer here, know she will always be with you in spirit, Look for her everyday, she will be there for you at all times. As we heard at her memorial, she touched and influenced so many lives with her strong devotion to family, all people and her faith. We only wish we had had the honor of knowing her better. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Much Love and memories,
Craig and Kitty Pollak
Stefani Parrish (Coules)
April 17, 2015
Dear Jim and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Claudia and our time at Pioneer and will never forget her beautiful smile and ever present optimism.
Linda Ball
April 17, 2015
Dear Jim and family,
My sister Janet (Ehrke) has kept me informed about the last weeks as you and all of Claudia's many friends have lived knowing Claudia has victory in Christ and that she is now healed! I pray for that amazing peace and comfort only God can provide in the days ahead, knowing from personal experience what a difference it makes, since both of us have lost spouses to cancer and I am dealing with a cancer diagnosis the 2nd time. Praise for how God has worked in our lives and will continue to give us special memories of our loved ones. Bless you!!
Barbara & Stacey Sellin
April 17, 2015
In the short time of knowing Claudia she became a dear friend who gave me strength and will be missed greatly. She is my guiding light and will always be in our heart. Love & care to you Jim, Lisa & Laura
April 17, 2015
We have fond memories of Claudia on vacation at Bass Lake where her youthful spirit and quick wit added to unforgettable moments. May that spirit live on in family & friends.
Friends of the "B" Sisters, Claudia & Doreen,
Anita & Bill Ferguson, Santa Barbara CA
Stephanie Golden
April 17, 2015
Jim and Family,I am so sorry to learn of Claudia's passing. I will always remember her luminous smile and passion for life.
Lisa Jacobs
April 15, 2015
I'm deeply grieved for how this ended for you and your family, and then for your friends too. What I am not sad about is how beautifully, intentionally and passionately you lived your life. What I am thankful for is the way you fiercely loved your girls, put your husband and family first and how you care deeply for the needs of other. What I am praising God for is the way you loved me for 12.5 years through my 20's and 30's, through engagement, marriage, work issues, work growth and into motherhood and how you taught me so many great lessons of confident, consistent and loving parenting. I love the people you have left behind and part of that is because you helped craft them into the people they have become. I won't ever want to forget any part of you, and I won't ever be able to because you will live on in my heart, in your girls and in Jim. I love you dear friend.
April 15, 2015
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the family. Joanne Stokes Class of 72
Charles Koehler
April 15, 2015
I will remember Claudia for her smile and her beautiful soul. She touched so many lives.....
Lina Au (Pioneer '73)
April 15, 2015
Dear Jim and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Claudia as a vibrant person, just like this picture. My deepest condolences.
Virginia Wong
April 14, 2015
Dear Laura, Thinking of you and your family. Sorry to hear about your mama. I hope and pray that the memories will carry all of you through the difficult days. I know I didn't know your mom well, but she was a sweet kind lady. I remember meeting her and we talked, laughed and by the end we hugged goodbye. You are a lot like her. You were kind and sweet to Danielle when you two first met. I remember you two becoming fast friends. You two talked and laughed a lot. Thinking of you and sending you a big hug. Virginia Wong
April 14, 2015
Dear Jim and Family,
So sorry to hear about Claudia. She was such a wonderful, kind, and generous soul. The world was made better for her being in it. She will always be with us in heart and in spirit.
Kari Churchill
Pat and Jim Beall
April 14, 2015
Jim and family,
We were so sorry to learn of Claudia's passing. We are thinking of you in this difficult time.
April 13, 2015
Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. Claudia was a lovely person. Terrie Mesa
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