Andrea Pierce Obituary

I don’t know what to say. Thought of my dear friend from HS, who stood up in my wedding, and find this. My heart is broken. We did lose touch, and I’m so saddened by this news. May she Rest In Peace. ❤

Andrea,
Thinking about you today, as the holiday draws closer. You are so missed. I have to remind myself that you are in a better place. I am adding more pictures to your album. Since I am not able to give you
a Christmas Gift and how I wish that I could. I have chosen to continue to share your beauty with
everyone who views this guestbook thru the years. As you shared your beauty on the inside and outside with all of us.

Merry Christmas Andrea,
Thinking of you this Christmas Morning as you spend the holiday with your Dad. I have added another photo to your album. Your Dad loved this sweet picture of you, enjoying the holiday...All of us miss you Andrea...

For Andrea,



One Hand On The Stars

How do we count the lives she touched, The light she shed

for years



How do we see the difference she made, when were looking

through our tears



How do we know the things that never would have been, Without her valiant heart that dared to fight and fight again



How do we know that flowers will bloom from the seeds of

yesterday, What songs are sung and dreams begun because

she passed this way



How do we measure the shining place that time can never pale

How did her spirit soar beyond, the suffering and the scars to live with one hand clutching hope

And the Other on the Stars, We may not know what she left

behind, On the difficult path she trod, but we Know this

much, Her life's touch was from the Hand of God..

Andrea,



I miss you sis. I know that you always had my best interests at heart, and one of those was to go onto college and display my talents. I'm so sad that you are not here to see my grow and mature into a young man, and taking responsibility into my own hands, and attending college. I'm almost done with my Junior year now, and I promise you that I will complete my Bachelor's in 4 years, just like you wanted me to do. I will work hard in everything I do, and help mom and my dad out in any and every way that I can throughout my life, because that's what you would've done for them. I love you Andrea, and I know you never liked hearing that someone loved you, but I do. Two days ago passed the 34th anniversary of your birth, and I had you in my thoughts, as I always do.

Andrea,
God brought your dad to you now. Please give him a hug and kiss from me!!!! I know the both
of you have a lot to share with
each other. I miss you Andrea!
Your sweet little girl is so
precious, and growing up each
and every day. I started a photo
album for her from the moment
she came into our lives. I will
give it to her when she is grown,
so she can share it with her
children. How blessed I was to
have had you in my life even if
only for a short time. I am placing a photo in your guest book,
its the one that your dad said was
his absolute favorite and the one
that was always in his wallet.
Love You, Debbie

July 1, 2005

For the last two years Andrea has been watching us from Heaven, so I know she can see how we miss her and love her.
I am trying to focus on her life, rather than her death.
Memories of her first day of school...her 1st box of candy for valentines day, with 1 piece missing out of the box(age 10)...when she ran for the 9th grade student council with the slogan, "Have Some Candy and Vote For Andi" as she passed out campaign fliers with tootsie pops taped to them...and how heart broken she was when she lost. I remember how excited she was the following May, to be the Prom Queen as the date of the Senators son! (Funny, I don't remember his name, though)
I remember the day she graduated High School, and the trip to Ol' Miss for her Start of College life.
Her first Apartment, Her first REAL job, Her first Love. I remember how she cried when her little brown Lab puppy got lost....and how she smiled the first time she looked into Paytons new born face.
Andrea is with me every minute of everyday. Always in my Heart and Always in my Memory.
So many people miss her - but no one, ever, more than I.
Mom

DRE,ITS ALMOST 2 YEARS.WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH,PAYTON IS A WELL CARED FOR LITTLE GIRL,ACTS ALOT LIKE HER MOM AND LOVES HER DAD.



KEEP LOOKING DOWN ON US.

LOVE DAD

March 1, 1971 was one of the 3 happiest days of my life. My beautiful baby girl was here on earth and from that day forward she brought JOY, PRIDE, LOVE and HAPPINESS into my life and into the life of all the people whose souls she touched.

Andrea will never know the full impact of her life on us who are left behind, but in years to come, her beautiful baby girl, Payton, will.

On this - the 33rd anniversary of your birth, my heart aches for you Andrea. You are SO missed by SO many.

I love you

Mom

Dear Andrea:

Happy Birthday! There is not a year that goes by that I don't remember the day that you were born! You are very special to me and love you very much!



Love always,

Your God-Mother

Linda

When I was gowing up, Andrea used to make me lunch on a pretty frequent basis - always peanut butter and jelly on white bread. She used to make some tasty sandwiches, but, often to my dismay, she would wipe the knife on the outside of my sandwich, leaving a smear of jelly in the exact spot where my hand would eventually be. Even now, 15 or so years later, whenever i get out the sandwich making utensils, it's hard for me to stop myself from wiping the knife off on the outside of the sandwich.



now that I actually think about it, a seemingly insignificant memory like this should have never stuck in my head for the length of time it has. But that's the impact a person like Andrea had on everybody around her. She projected an angelic (for lack of a better word) aura, and all those near her were better because of it. And while it saddens me to have lost a sister, I know she's off in a better place, hopefully giving the souls with her sticky jelly fingers too.



I love you, I miss you, and I thank you for being a part of my life. I'm better off because of it.

Dear Payton,

I am a friend of your Grandma Norma. I did not know your Mom too well but I do know that she loved you so very much. While at the church service I strongly felt your Mom's presence as an angel. This has never happened to me before so I know she is watching over you and sending you love every moment of every day.

Dear Payton, I only knew your Mom for a short time, But I know she loved you nore than anything. You are a very lucky little girl to have such a loving Mommy. I know you will always have a life full of love. I Know your Grandma Norma and her eyes always sparkles when she talks of you and your Mommy. Always remember all you have to do is close your eyes and you can always see your Mommy. Death just takes the body away, but your Mommy will always be in our hearts And mind.

It's taken me more than a month to write this. Initially, I think it was because I didn't want to believe that Andrea's not with us. What I've come to realize over time is that she's with us more now than ever. Andrea embodied pure joy and love - of life and other individuals. She embraced every opportunity for fun. This is the part of her that is still with us so strongly. She inspires me to get up every day and live life to its fullest just as she always did. And while she will never be replaced, I take comfort knowing that she gave a piece of herself to each of us that we will all carry forward. Every one of us is better and stronger as a result.

I will always reflect on Drae as someone of compassion and sensitivity. A very unique and gifted person. I will continue to miss her.

Dear Payton,

Your Mom was one the most caring, loving, and thoughtful people I have ever met. Everyone who met her immediately fell in love with her bright, happy personality. No matter where she was she always had a smile on her face. Your Mother loved you very much. Please always remember that.

Love always,

Kaylie

Our memories of Andrea are limited to some from adolesence and a few from early adulthood. Time, distance and lifestyles made this so. The time we spent with Norma and her family and friends as well as those we hadn't met before, however, demonstrated the limitless amount of love that Andrea engendered in everyone. People normally estranged came together in love to honor a life and grieve a loss. Family members too long separated found renewed importance and interest in each others' lives and families. We saw people from different facets of Andrea's life all expressing love, loss and grief with each other as though we were all friends. So while our memories of Andrea are few, the memory of the effect she had on the lives of everyone that she touched will always remain strong and dear. Payton is a very muched loved child by a great many people, just the way Andrea thought life should be. Andrea surrounded herself with love, just as Payton is surrounded by love. What better legacy than to always be remembered with love.?



Dennis, Helen, Joe, Anna, and Michelle

With warmest thoughts, I'll think of you.

A time our friendship was so new.

Southern streets we'd run at night.

And share the wonders of our life.

Across the miles in car we'd go.

Chicago/Ole Miss--to and fro!

Years soon passed and chats were few.

Yet, nothing changed-our friendship grew.

You watched me wed and held my son.

My gosh, our lives had just begun.

I held your baby girl that night.

And knew how much she'd changed your life.

Always "tomorrow" we'd say-me and you.

How could we have known there'd be so few!



Jo Ellyn Musial

Andrea, so many of the greatest memories of my life, our childhood, growing up, Christmas at home, I shared with you. I will never forget these moments, nor will I ever forget you, or Payton. I will love and miss you always. Goodbye my sister

Larry

Dear Andrea, I feel so blessed to have had the privilege to share in this sacred dance of life with you. I celebrate your graduation from this physical world and mourn the loss. I know that your strength and love will live on in Payton. Goodbye for now my dear sister-in-law.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Pierce Family. May God watch over all of you.

DEAR ANDREA YOU LEFT US TO SOON , but left a beautiful baby girl behined to remined us of you. may god blees u, and may u rest in peace















DE AR ANDREA YOU LEFT US TO SOON, BUT U LEFT A DAUGHTER BEHINED TO REMINED US OF U. MAY GOD BE WITH U AND MAY U REST IN PEACE

Payton,
Sweetheart, no words could ever ease the loss of a mother..but you were your mommy's heart..her reason to get up every morning...the smile on her face...every breath she took.
Payton, I am a friend of your Grandma Normas', we have been friends sooooo long. I remember your mommy, from the time she was 8 yrs old, and knew then she would be successful, because she knew what she wanted...I have wonderful stories to share with you, about your mom, I hope I have that chance.
My one wish for you Payton, "is to Love like there is no tomorrow" and always keep your faith strong in God, He is there anytime you need Him.....

Andrea...you left us to soon..Will always remember your face....our talks...shopping at Woodfield Mall...You have touched so many peoples' lives,mine included...I love you..Honey, and we will meet again... ...

Dear Payton,
Your mother was always there to teach me how to be a better son to our mother, and how to be a better person all around. She was my sister, and as I saw first hand, she touched so many lives with her beauty, grace, and warmth. She was always full of smiles, and always wanted the best for her family and friends. She had so much love inside, and she always expressed her love, whether by a hug, or by her actions.
I will always hold her in my heart. She was my only sister, and she will be missed dearly. She always wanted the best for me as I was growing up, and with my life now open to all posibilities for the future, I make a sincere promise to her that I will fulfill her wishes, and make myself the best I can become. I love you Andrea, and I will make sure that Payton grows up with a great knowledge of her mother, as I hold you in my heart until we meet again in Heaven.
Love, Your Brother

Anyone who knew Andrea knows how sincere she was. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. She is missed but certainly not forgotten.
To Payton,
Your Mom was a warm and very caring person who always seemed to be smiling. You definitely have her smile and I'm sure it's just as contagious!

Dear Payton,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful, happy smiling person. Her smile says it all. We will miss her so much. You will carry on her memory forever. I have been friends with your Grama Norma for many many years and she loves your mom and you more than words can ever say. My prayers are with you and your family every day.I know you will grow up to be a fine young beautiful woman just like your mom. My deepest sympathies.

Love,
Debbie Memenga

Hello Payton,
I hope I'm still around when you can read this. Your mother was a very sweet and gracious woman. She was loving and cared about making everyone around her comfortable and happy. I'm so sorry you didn't get to grow up with your mom around to share your school experiences, growing pains, dating, marriage and grandchildren. I know she is in heaven watching over you with love. Take care little girl. Love, Auntie Terry

I feel as if I knew Andrea even though I never met her. Norma always talks about her children & grandchildren. Andrea sounded full of life and loved Payton as much as any mother could possibly love her child.
God bless you Norma, Larry(Andrea's Dad), Larry, & Paul.

Payton,

Your mom was a very loved person. She was beautiful, full of life and very courageous. She loved you so much! I am a friend of your grandmother Norma. We have been friends for many years, and she also loves you bunches and bunches. I am sorry for your loss. Honor your mother by living a good life, so when you meet her in heaven she will be so proud of you! Respect yourself, respect others, trust in God - all good things will follow.

Love to you

It has taken me a long time to build the strength to visit. Words cannot explain what I am feeling or in anyway detail the scope of this incredible loss we are all experiencing. No one in this world was closer to Andrea over the last nine years than I was. She was the most amazing person I have ever met and I will never again encounter such a wonderful free spirit. I am immeasurably devastated by her loss, but can look into her daughter’s face for the rest of my life and remember how incredible and special Andrea is, and will always be. To this moment, I am amazed at the love she gave to Payton - enough love to last her a lifetime. I have never experienced something so pure and beautiful. I love you Andrea and will share your love with Payton for the rest of her life.

Norma, Paul, Larry, & Payton,

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Andrea. I didn't see Andrea often, but when I did she was all smiles and full of energy. The last time I saw Andrea was at her baby shower. She was so happy and excited to be a mom. She touched many lives during her time here. I will always remember her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Celina Wiegel (3rd cousin)

I met Andrea recently and she became an immediate friend. She was a very warm, fun and caring person who loved life. I am truly saddened to hear the terrible news. I will remember her fondly. My deepest sympathy to her family and sweet little Payton. Your Mommy loved you so very much.

I can not beleave that she is gone. I remember her when she spent time with me when she was in California.
I will always remember her. I will miss her .

We didn't really know Andrea but knowing the great warmth,humor and joy of Andrea's mother, Norma, as we do- we know Andrea had to have been a very special person. Our heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to her family and her friends.

To Payton,
My name is Amanda and I took you and your mothers pictures June of 2003. I just wanted you to know that I met you and your mother only twice but the two of you made a permanent mark in my memory. Your mother loved you so much, I could see it. To you and your family I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Norma and family, our prayers and sincerest love to you all in your time of sorrow. Thanks for sharing so much of Andrea with me through your emails and photos. This poem helped our family in our times of need. I hope it does the same for you and someday, for Payton. Charlotte & Mike Butler - KC Mo


"A LETTER FROM HEAVEN"

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man,"

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Author Unknown

Though we had only met a few times for work related situations, I enjoyed working with Andrea and spending time around her. Andrea's passing is quite a shock. I am truly saddened. She will surely be missed. My prayers go out to everyone Andrea has touched and especially to her immediate family.

Larry, Debbie and Family,

May Andrea live in your hearts and memories forever...

Andrea (Drea) was one of the warmest, most endearing people I have or will ever have the pleasure of meeting! A great freind in the truest sense and no doubt looking down upon us from an enviable viewpoint...

Dre: I will miss you terribly. You touched everyone's life who came in contact with you and made this world a better place to live. We will do all we can to help Payton and know that you are in a better place. You will always be in our prayers.

Andrea,

You were a gift to me that enriched my life in ways that I never expected. Thank you for sharing your short and abundantly wealthy life with me. I will keep your memory alive with Payton always, your bright beautiful smile and your everlasting love for her.

I will miss you always.

Payton,

Love your life, have lots of friends, experience everything you can but listen to those who already have.

My Beautiful Andrea is more than my daughter, she is my heart. I love her so deeply and can not begin to imagin how to go on without her.
She brought so much Love into the world, and she took so much Love with her to Heaven. I know that she will always surround us with the spirit of that Love. I know the Angels are rejoycing because they have her with them.
I Love you Annana, my baby, I will keep your memory alive for Payton, always.
Mom

I haven't seen Andrea for a few years but I was looking forward to introducing her to my wife and step-child. My sympathies. She was a wonderful person. Some things just don't make sense. God take care of her.

Dear Norma, Larry and Paul,
I was so saddened to her of Andrea's passing, she was far too young, too full of life. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. You are in my prayers and in my heart. Love, Kathy Vicari, second cousin

Dear Norma, Larry & Paul,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you in this time of sadness. Andrea was a unique person, daughter, mother and sister. My prayers are for you. I wish I could have seen her more often. Love, Theresa Rowan, Great Aunt

She was my sister , a mother and a friend to all that knew her. She will be sorely missed by those she leaves behind.

Larry, Debbie and Family of Andrea,
I am so sorry for your loss and will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Andrea, I only knew you through pictures and e-mail from Debbie. I know you will be missed by all, especially your beautiful daughter, Payton.
Larry, I know how difficult it is to lose a child, no matter what age they are! I will keep you in my thoughts. As difficult as this is, she is now with other family members who have also been missed by all.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Kate Sullivan (sister of Debbie Sullivan)

Norma, Larry, Paul,

I cannot even express how sad I feel about the loss of Andrea.

I always looked forward to see her at family parties. She was so mature as a teenager! She had set so many goals for herself and I watched her as she actually achieved them! I felt so proud of her when she graduated from college - and then went out on her own.

We have a great family but now it is a little bit less great without Andrea.

Across the atlantic the stretch of sea doesn't seperate us to unite with family and freinds in spirit to celebrate the life of such a wonderful person.
The stars which are out tonight will be the same that we see and we send our blessings with warmth to you all.

Dear Norma, Larry & Paul,
Our deepest sympathies to you in your loss of your daughter, sister. Andrea was a unique person, full of love and life. She was bubbly and energetic. I haven't seen her in several years but still remember her zest for life and cute smile dimples and all. You will never be forgotten. Love, Terry Wangsness, second cousin

It is hard to express my sorrow of the lost of Andrea.
Larry and Andrea are very special to me! I remember all the times I would babysit for them! The pool in our back yard and BarBques! All the holidays. I miss seeing them grow up. We moved to Florida about 25 years ago but they are always in my heart!

I know Andrea you are with Grandma Sarah, Grandpa Ardo and Auntie Grandma Phyllis!

My heart goes out to all of you!
Please give Payton a big hug and kiss!
I wish I could be there!

Love you all,

Linda & Michael

Norma, Larry & Paul:

We are so sorry to hear about Andrea. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish I could be there with you. I remember all the good times we had together many years ago.

I'll call in a couple of days.

Love always,

Sandy & Dave

Drea, It is difficult for me to express how much I am going to miss you. You will always be in my thoughts.

Love Rob

You are very dearly missed Andrea, I will always remember your kindness and words of wisdom when I needed them.
Brian

Drae,
You stood next to me in my wedding, in my life and now where ever I go. I could not have ask for a better friend, you will be truley missed.
I love you
Love,
Val

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Andrea's family and friends during this difficult time. She will be sorely missed, yet fondly remembered.

If ever there was a warm hearted person it had to be you. You were forever doing the kindest things for people. The little kindness you showed added up to alot of loving care. You truly will be missed.

Susie & Ty (Long Grove, IL)

My Deepest Sympathy. Although I had not seen Andrea in years, I will always remember her bright smile.
Love Always,
Larry

ANDREA,
I NEVER MET YOU BUT I FELT THAT I KNEW YOU THROUGH ALL YOUR MOM'S CONVERSATIONS ABOUT YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER AT WORK. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY PEOPLE. EVEN THOUGH IT SADDENS ME THAT SOMEONE SO YOUNG IS GONE, IT ALSO WARMS MY HEART TO KNOW THAT PAYTON NOT ONLY HAS THE GUARDIAN ANGEL THAT GOD HAS CHOSEN FOR HER BUT HER VERY OWN SPECIAL ANGEL UP IN HEAVEN WATCHING OVER HER. EVERY TIME NOW THAT I HEAR " ANGELS AMONG US" BY ALABAMA I WILL THINK OF YOU

May your memories comfort you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love, Phil & Stacey

I am deeply saddened by the loss of great friend. Memories of Andrea will always make me smile.

Drae,

Words cannot express the sorrow and grief that I am feeling. I truly enjoyed our time together and often think back on some of those wonderful memories.

"There is no death, only a change of worlds."

Love,

Swifty

Words can not express the sorrow I feel and how much I will miss you. Thank you for being a friend. I will never forget you: Chicago will never be the same for me.
-Kristina

Andrea, We only knew you for a short time and it doesn't seem fair. You are going to be missed by the Ohio gang. God Bless you. Joe and Andrew Bricker, Bob St.Clair, Tim Murnane,Jim Deitz

Andrea,
How nervous I was the day your father introduced me to you. You made me feel special, you always did..I miss you so very much, but I know that you are with God and all the Angels..I feel blessed to have had you in my life.

The Lord knoweth the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever. Psalm 37:18

We shall be together again, and I look forward to that day.
Love You, Debbie

I`LL BE MISSING YOU,MY LITTLE GIRL.WATCH OVER US FROM ABOVE.LOVE DAD

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.