Doris L. Pierce

Doris L (Gautreau) Pierce, 77, of Gardner, died peacefully Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Born in Gardner on May 27, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Euclid and Pauline (Fredette) Gautreau. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1964 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in education in 1968 from Fitchburg State University . Doris worked for Templeton Elementary School for seven years and then in the Gardner Elementary School for twenty-six years until her retirement. She was also a consultant for Houghton Mifflin to help educate new teachers. She was a Mount Wachusett Community College instructor, educating students in English as a Second Language.

Doris was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at its Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. She was a member of the Hospital Aide Association. Doris was a staunch supporter of Henry Heywood Hospital and volunteered in the hospital gift shop. She would also donate her craftsmanship, knitting shawls for patients at the hospital. Doris was an active member and trustee of the Henry Heywood Library, the Library’s Board of Friends, and participated in all the library’s activities and committees. In her free time, she enjoyed reading. She cherished her time with her family, especially her two granddaughters.

Doris is survived by her husband, Kenneth Pierce, of Gardner; one daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Gregory, of Worcester, and their two daughters, Gwen and Laurie; one sister, Diane Fontaine, of Gardner; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Doris was predeceased by her sister, Cecile Davidowicz.

Calling Hours will be held Friday, December 22, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

A Calling Hour will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, 55 West Lynde Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Doris L. Pierce.