Joyce Cooper Pierce

Joyce Cooper Pierce, of Freeport, Ill., passed away on March 21, 2026, at the great age of 100. She was born October 19, 1925, in Oakland, Calif., the daughter of Claud and Josephine Cooper, and sister to Mavis.

Joyce attended DePauw University in Indiana for two years before transferring to the University of Illinois, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Later, while raising four children, she earned her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University — often using the family ping-pong table as her desk. She began her career teaching elementary school in Freeport, later moving to Dixon, Ill., where she taught students from kindergarten through high school.

On September 7, 1946, Joyce married Theodore “Ted” Pierce in Freeport, Ill. The two had known each other since high school and shared 76 years of marriage before Ted’s passing in 2023. Together they raised four children — Jeff, Jan, Dick, and Dan — naming them in a way Joyce joked would help her remember them.

Joyce was a skilled cook who loved trying new recipes, an avid bridge player, needle pointer, and knitter. She was known to stay up late working on projects or waiting for her children to come home from dates.

In retirement, Joyce and Ted built a cabin near Tomahawk, where they enjoyed many years of travel, friendships, and outdoor adventures. In subsequent years, they built a permanent home on Papoose Lake in Manitowish Waters and became active members of the Presbyterian Church.  

They were deeply involved in the local cross-country skiing community. Joyce loved traveling with Ted, keeping a journal of each trip. Together they explored Germany, Hawaii, Alaska, the French Riviera, and many other places.

She also volunteered at the local library and in Sunday school, was an avid reader, and enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays with family at the lake.

Joyce is survived by her children: Jeffrey (Lynn) Pierce of Ankeny, Iowa; Janice Rogers (Jim -deceased) of Prescott, Ariz.; Richard (Sandra Lampman) Pierce of Verona; Daniel (Chris) Pierce of Oregon, Ill.; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her parents and her sister Mavis.

In keeping with Joyce’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.