Margaret Ann Pearce

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, who left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

Margaret Ann Pearce (lovingly known to family and friends as Margie, and affectionately called Mema by grandchildren), 84, of Fresno, California passed away peacefully at her home on January 2, 2026.

Margie was born on March 3, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Ralph and Margaret Scott. Raised first in West Roxbury and later in Falmouth, MA, she graduated from WhitmanHanson High School. Shortly after graduation she met the love of her life, Milton Floyd Pearce, while he was stationed with the Coast Guard in Woods Hole. They met through a coworker at Newberry's, where Margie worked, and were married on August 15, 1959.

After marrying, Margie and Milt lived in California, Nevada, and New York before settling in Fresno, California, where she resided for 53 years. Together they built a loving family and a successful local business, co-owning and operating Margie's Hallmark in Fresno for 37 years, with their son Tom helping to manage the store.

Margie was deeply involved in her children's education and community. She served as PTA president at Ewing Elementary School, very active at her childrens and grandchildrens schools, and was always ready to help with book reports and school projects. Upon first moving to Fresno she became a member of Sierra Vista Methodist Church and enjoyed sharing her musical gifts by singing in the choir. Later she attended New Hope Community Church with family, where she treasured the music ministry and pastoral messages.

Her love for gardening, music, and sports was well known. Margie had an amazing green thumb, she loved spending time in her garden tending to her roses, and could grow almost anything into a thriving plant. Music was central to her life, she enjoyed a wide variety of styles, especially instrumental pieces that reminded her of her father, who had been a musician with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. She was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Fresno State Bulldogs. Her home was often filled with laughter and the aroma of her delicious cooking, especially during holiday gatherings, and she treasured vacations and getaways to the coast with family.

Margie's most treasured role was that of "Mema." She delighted in time spent with her grandchildren; her gentle guidance, boundless support, and infectious laughter helped shape the lives of those she loved. She was known for making everyone feel welcome and valued, and for offering unwavering love, wisdom, and strength to her family and community.

Margie is survived by her children and their spouses, Terry Pearce, Tom Pearce, Mike and Zenaida Pearce, Dave and Alicia Pearce, Debbie and Mike Villalobos, and Dan and Gina Pearce; her brother Ralph Scott, brother-in-law Will Eppich, and sister-in-law Phyllis Wages and husband Jerry. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, Joe Castaneda, Catrina Thomas, Reyna Sanchez, Lauren Villalobos, Brandon Villalobos, Cameron Villalobos, Breanna Pearce, and Christopher Pearce; six great-grandchildren; and her loyal dog Jake and adoring cats and a host of relatives and friends that will forever cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Milton, and her dear twin sister Mary Eppich. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and selfless devotion that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A service to celebrate her extraordinary life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM at New Hope Community Church in Clovis, CA, officiated by Pastor Mark Addis. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to New Hope Community Church at www.newhopechurch.net, Fresno Humane Animal Services at
www.fresnohumane.org, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org so that her legacy of kindness and caring may continue to touch others.

Arrangements are being handled by Farewell Funeral Service. Condolences and memories may be shared on their website at www.farewell.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospice nurses and aides who cared for Margie with such compassion and tenderness until the very end.

Mom, you will be missed beyond words, loved beyond measure, and remembered forever