Mrs. Carlen Lee Pierce, 39, of South Loop Road, Steamburg, N.Y., died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, April 29, 2009.
Born on June 24, 1969, she was the daughter of Hobart Nolan Cooper of Pennsylvania. She was married for 17 years to Vernon Pierce Sr., who survives.
Mrs. Pierce was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Turtle Clan.
She was employed as an assistant manager at Highbanks Campground, Steamburg, N.Y.
She was very proud of her sons, and enjoyed watching them play lacrosse. She shared her love of dirttrack racing with her sons, and they could be seen at Stateline Speedway every Saturday night cheering on their favorite driver, Chad Valone. She will be deeply missed by her family and those dear to her.
Surviving besides her husband are two sons: Vernon Pierce Jr. and Brian Pierce, both at home; two sisters: Laura (Mike Gross) Cooper and Trudy Oldshield, both of Salamanca, N.Y.; three brothers: William G. Cooper, Salamanca, N.Y., Marvin Cooper, Steamburg, N.Y., and Kirby (Carlyn White) Ferguson, Salamanca, N.Y.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Emery and Reva Dowdy Jacobs; paternal grandparents, Alton and Edna John Cooper; and maternal aunt, Elizabeth ''Betsy'' Harrison.
Friends may call today and all day Friday at the family home, 117 South Loop Road, Steamburg, N.Y.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the family home followed by services at 10 a.m. in the Coldspring Longhouse.