Pierce, Joan, (Searle), 81, of Park Road, died peacefully on November 20, 2012 surrounded by her loving family at Waterview Villa Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late Galen E. Pierce Jr.

A lifelong resident of Riverside, she was the daughter of the late Dorman ‘Dolly’ W. Searle and Myrtle (Crapo) Searle.

Mrs. Pierce was a registered nurse at the Hattie Ide Chaffee Home, East Providence for 20 years before retiring in 1981.

Joan was a graduate of the Pawtucket Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

She is survived by three children; Holly Mendes, G. Scott Pierce and Kimberly P. Conway, all of East Providence, a very special person and caregiver; Catherine Covill of Riverside, a brother; Dorman ‘Butch’ Searle of Rehoboth, MA, four grandchildren; Elizabeth, Nicholas, Katherine and Samantha and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Raymond Searle.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Sunday November 25, 2012 at 1 pm in the Chapel at Bay View Academy, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside to which relatives and friends are invited. Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. Arrangements are by the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, Riverside.