Holly Pierce Mendes
Date of Passing:
Mendes, Holly (Pierce), 66, a lifelong resident of Riverside, died unexpectedly on Wednesday June 23, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Galen and Joan (Searle) Pierce. Holly leaves behind her daughter, Lizzy Mendes, who was the light of her life. She was the loving sister of her brother, G. Scott Pierce and his wife Marilyn and her sister, Kimberly Conway and her husband James and several nieces and nephews.
Holly was a graduate of East Providence High School Class of 1973 and Keane State College Class of 1977.
Holly was a dedicated and passionate educator of the St. Andrew’s School Community for 35 years. She profoundly impacted the lives of students, families and colleagues with her helpful nature and positive spirit. Holly loved to travel and frequently traveled the world with her students, her friends and her family. She was an avid gardener who spent much of her time working in her vegetable garden and in her flower gardens surrounding her property. Holly truly enjoyed this labor of love and loved to share the bounty of her hard work with many others. She loved a good book and you could often find her on a beach reading during her summers off. Holly brought light and enthusiasm to everything she did.
Her Funeral Service will be held in St. Andrew’s School Auditorium, 63 Federal Road, Barrington on Monday July 12, 2021 at 5 p.m. A Celebration of her Life will be held in Holly’s scenic backyard on July 24, 2021. Please contact her family for details. Her family encourages any friends of Holly’s to attend and share in her memory.
Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. As a remembrance of Holly and her deep love for education, her family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to St. Andrew’s School Gifts, Attn: Development Office, 63 Federal Road, Barrington, RI 02806 would be deeply appreciated.
I liked Holly, I am glad that I was part of her journey in life, I will think of her often and,when I do, I will smile.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Holly. My heart goes out to her Lizzy who she beamed with pride when her name was mentioned. She was a wonderful teacher, mentor and advocate for students. Also, just fun to be in the presence of. Rest peacefully Holly.
To Holly’s Family,
I was saddened to hear about Holly’s passing. My memories of her from many years ago make me smile and as I have read here, she continued to have this affect on people throughout her life. My deepest condolences,
Scot and family:
I echo all the condolences and comments above, So sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear about Holly‘s passing. She was always such a character and we always had a lot of laughs together in our younger days. My heart goes out to all of you during this sad time.
Holly spread love and laughter. I will miss her bright smile and her wonderful sense of humor!
Very sad to just hear of Holly’s passing. Funny and bright is how I remember her. She’s the newest star in the night sky. I will look for her. My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
I have very fond and happy memories of Holly in our Jr. High and Sr. High days. She was always pleasant to be around. My condolences to Lizzy, Scott and Kimberly.
Holly always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. I knew her going back to middle school. My deepest condolences to her loved ones. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and may you find peace and comfort knowing what a wonderful person she was.
We are deeply sorry for your loss and wish for your loving sister’s rest in peace with our Lord and Saviour, friends of Mel and Scott Pierce.
Dear Pierce Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Judy (Girvan) LaCross
Long ago friends from EP High and Kent Field. Holly will always be remembered by our group. Thoughts and prayers?
To Holly’s family — she was a dear person and a friend since Middle school Days . Her cheerful personality will be very much missed . God bless you all .
Holly will always be remembered for her bright smile and easy nature. I’m so sorry for the lose of your mother, sister, aunt and teacher. She was proud of all of you, her family and her students. May she always be remembered for all the love she gave to each and everyone if you.
So sorry to hear of Holly’s passing. We shared many fun times working for the record dept.
Maureen Sweeney Nolan
So sorry to hear of Holly’s passing. We shared many fun times working for the record dept.
We are deeply saddened by Holly’s sudden passing. She was a special gift to all who had the privilege to know her, whether as teacher, colleague, mentor, or friend. Her ready smile, comforting hand, and wise advice were treasured gifts to me. I especially remember Cookie Exchanges at Holly’s home during the holidays, splitting perennials together, and sharing a laugh – Holly seemed always able to find the bright side in a storm!
You were the shining light of her life, dear Lizzy – your mom was so proud of all that you accomplished and the lovely woman that you are. The beautiful relationship that you shared will live on in your heart always. May you find comfort in loving memories. Our deepest condolences and fervent prayers are with you during this heartbreaking time.
I was so saddened to hear about Holly’s passing. My first thought was how deeply devoted and proud she was of you Lizzy. She was a fabulous educator and shared vast knowledge, not only with students but also with her peers. I can’t see an Astilbe without thinking of her. My deepest condolences for this sudden difficult loss. May her love embrace you.
Holly was an amazing teacher and woman. I feel so fortunate to have been one of her students and experience firsthand her zest for life and passion for education.
We were so very sorry to hear of her passing; she was our son’s focus teacher at SAS. Always kind, encouraging, patient, and supportive, she will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace, knowing that she empowered hundreds of children over the course of her career.
Holly will be remembered as a funny,caring,loving person to all..St.Andews has lost one of its best….she will watch over the school from heaven and all those kids she taught…rest in peace holly…
Holly was such a constant presence at St. Andrew’s. She always managed to keep things in perspective for everyone around her – students and adults. I knew I was going to get a heartfelt, thoughtful, realistic response from Holly whenever we sat down for a conversation about the school, a student, or just about life. You will be sorrowfully missed Ms Mendes.
My condolences to the Mendes family. She was one of the great teachers at St. Andrews.
To the Pierce/Mendes families, my deepest condolences. May all your happy memories of Holly live with you forever. Wishing you peace in the days ahead.
Lizzie, Scott and Kim, I am so heartbroken for all of you. Holly was one-of-a-kind filled with so much joy of life! She will live on in your memories and through her beautiful gardens. I will think of her every time I pick up a knitting needle. I’m so thankful for those many nights we spent together when she taught me and we laughed and laughed. I will always treasure our friendship. May you find peace during this difficult time.
Love, Mary Lu
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Holly’s passing, she was wonderful to me during my four years at St. Andrew’s. My deepest condolences to Holly’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Holly was a huge part of my life. I believe that I was her first advisee. Even after graduation from St. Andrew’s, she would continually check in with me throughout university. And as an adult, I would always visit her whenever I had a reason to come back to America. I am heartbroken.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Holly made a wonderful impact in my life at St. Andrews that I will forever be grateful for. My deepest condolences to your entire family.
I’m so sorry for your loss your mom was a great friend I’m going to mind stopping by her class room and asking her how she’s doing and how’s lizzy and our conversation about our houses and cars she always had a smile on her face going to miss seeing that smile and her saying Hey mitch!! Deeply going to miss her she will always be I’m my heart…Rest in paradise Holly!!!
Lizzy, our entire family send their condolences. We were so lucky to call her a friend for 30 years. Your mom was a such a delight, always happy to see everyone and she will be greatly missed at St. Andrew’s. We will always be thankful for all she did for our son. Not only was she a great colleague but a wonderful friend.
Mel and Scott, I’m so sorry to learn about your sister. Having recently lost my own, I know how difficult this is. I will keep you in my prayers
Scott, so sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. Our deepest condolences.
Ms Mendes was a great teacher, friend and role model for so many especially my daughter Cassandra when Cassandra came to St Andrews she was shy and hardly spoke to anyone Holly helped her come out her shell along with helping her in everyway she can she has a strong and profound impact on my daughter we are better to have known her and will forever be grateful to her we will treasure the time we had together we love and miss her love Cassandra and Patricia
Holly Mendes had a profound positive influence on our son’s life. Her supportive and cheerful approach instilled confidence in so many students and embodied the culture of St. Andrews. In the success of thousands of students her legacy will live on.
Holly Mendez taught at Saint Andrews when I was a student there and for a time I was President of the Alumni Association. She was always very sweet to me, asked me how I was, how my brother and Mom were doing. She was a genuinely good person and her death is a profound loss. I wanted to offer my condolences to her family and to the Saint Andrews Community.
Lizzy, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your dear mother. She was a wise dear friend and very well respected by all who came in contact with her. She will be missed immensely. You can be assured that you are in our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. May your mother’s love and the many fond memories hold a place in your heart to bring you peace which will help you cope now and in the difficult days ahead.