HOULTON and YARMOUTH – Barbara Ludwig Pierce, 91, passed away peacefully July 17, 2012, at her apartment at Bay Square, Yarmouth, after a brief illness, and surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Houlton, daughter of Lawrence G. and Tess (Hoyt) Ludwig.
Barbara attended Houlton schools, graduating from Houlton High School before leaving to pursue an education in nursing. Graduating from Boston’s Massachusetts Memorial Hospital at the height of World War II, Barbara used her registered nursing degree to aid in the war. Joining the Army Nurse Corps, Barbara’s war experience began with an ocean crossing aboard the Queen Mary, which had been converted into a wartime troopship. After landing in England, Barbara began a tour of duty, which took her to the front lines of France, Germany, and Belgium, including the decisive Battle of the Bulge. Barbara’s Nurse Corps duties later brought her to the illustrious West Virginia Greenbrier resort adapted by the U.S. Government into a 2000-bed surgical and rehabilitation military hospital. Among the hundreds of returning soldiers Barbara cared for was Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who’d been admitted for severe cold symptoms. Like so many who returned from World War II, Barbara spoke little of her wartime experiences as she settled into a peacetime life back in Houlton. Continuing her love of nursing, Barbara worked as a private duty nurse as well as for Houlton’s acclaimed physician Dr. John B. Madigan. Many in Houlton today remember Barbara’s nursing skill and exceptional bedside manner. Eventually, Barbara left her nursing career to start a family. In 1949, Barbara married Francis Madigan Pierce of Portland. Barbara and Francis, together with their three children, created a vibrant home life in Houlton that drew family and friends from near and far for frequent visits. Barbara’s warm sense of humor and capacity to include and welcome others earned her the respect and adoration of many. With a particular gift to connect with people of any age, Barbara’s dinner table promised intergenerational conversation, laughter, and reminiscing. Barbara’s life in Houlton included weekly bridge games with her circle of lifelong friends. An active member of Houlton’s Garden Club, Barbara’s homes in Houlton and at Nickerson Lake reflected her sense of aesthetic and green thumb. Barbara’s longstanding involvement with Houlton’s First Congregational Church also brought her much joy throughout her life. Her extended family and large circle of friends will miss Barbara dearly.
Barbara leaves three children, Tom Pierce of Portland, Andrew Pierce of Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Kendall Lord of Yarmouth; grandchildren, Sam, Jane and Barrett Pierce of Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Peter, Juliana and Thomas Lord of Yarmouth; dozens of adoring nieces and nephews; and special lifelong friend and cousin, Virginia McLaughlin of Houlton. Barbara was predeceased by her brother, John H. Ludwig; and devoted husband of 41 years, Francis M. Pierce.
The family will hold a private graveside service later this summer. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to The Francis M. and Barbara L. Pierce Scholarship Fund, care of Ricker College Trust, P.O. Box 1016, Houlton, ME 04730. For an online guest book and condolences, visit
www.dunnfuneral.com.