Elizabeth Pierson, 93, died peacefully at home with her family on Monday Dec. 14, /2020. Born Lieselotte Meilinger in Munich, Bavaria, to her parents Ludwig and Therese (Strixner) Meilinger.
She took the name Elizabeth following immigration to the U.S. in 1947 to marry Earl Pierson of Byron. They were together 64 years until Earl’s death in 2012. Elizbeth was also predeceased by her brother Ludwig. After her children left home for college, Elizabeth devoted twenty years to teaching German at Byron High School. Elizabeth was an active and faithful member of St Mary’s in Byron until the end, and was honored by the diocese at St Mary’s Woman of the Year in 2017.
Survivors include Kris (Bill) Craig of Byron, Jeff (Deanne) Pierson of Rockford; grandchildren Andrew (Kimberly) Pierson of Pawtucket, RI; Rebecca (Bradley) Barnhart of Corvallis, Ore.; Kathryn (Tyler) Pierson of Denver, Colo.; and great-granddaughters Olivia, June, Ellie, Josie, and Anna.
Private family Mass and Christian burial was Friday Dec. 18 at St. Mary’s in Byron with Reverend Richard Rosinski officiating. The Mass was streamed; details at www.saintmaryinbyron.org. The Family is grateful for caregivers Barb and Alma who made it possible for Elizabeth to remain at home in her final year, and for the excellent services provided by Serenity Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bell Tower Project at St Mary’s Catholic Church, PO Box 1070, Byron, IL, 61010. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com
