Virginia Carol Peirce

Virginia was born Virginia Carol Peirce in Milwaukee, WI, on January 7, 1916: daughter of Joseph Procter Peirce and Clara Mayme (Kohler) Peirce. Her dad was an artist and business man and died young. Virginia married Maurice C. Swanson in Milwaukee, WI, on June 27, 1936. Maurice was an engineer and business man. They were married for 52 years. Maurice died in 1988. They lived in Niskayuna, Schenectady, and Fayetteville, NY. In 1988 she married Sturtevant Pratt. They were married for 11 years, living in Manlius, NY, until Sturdy died in 1999. Virginia was active in the Eastern Star for many years. She worked for many years for General Electric in Syracuse, NY as an executive secretary and retired from GE. She also sold real estate for a few years. And later, turned health care provider for both husbands. Virginia is survived by her three children, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. son, Carl Swanson (Judy), of Belvidere, IL; daughter Lynn Swanson of Midland, MI and son Kenneth Swanson (Kathleen), of Middleton, WI. Grandson, Paul Saunders of Arlington, VA, granddaughter, Jennifer Saunders of Salt Lake City, UT, grandson, David Swanson of Belvidere, IL, granddaughter, Donna Liew of St. Paul, MN and granddaughter Lara Swanson of Bloomington, MN. She was always a very loving and caring person to all, putting others before herself. Virginia maintained her own house and drove her own car until into her 90’s. Virginia was very active in her church, The United Church of Fayetteville, NY, especially in the quilter’s group. When she moved to Madison, WI, they made her a special friendship quilt which she treasured. Virginia was also very active in the Fayetteville Senior Center, in fact was married to Sturdy there. She was responsible for the craft center and sang in the chorus for many years. She was proud to have earned DAR status after two years of research and documentation of her blood line back to a family member who was in the Revolutionary War. She was active in the DAR for many years. Her granddaughter, Lara, has since traced her ancestry back to the 1100’s to Lincolnshire, England. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crafts, card games-especially bridge, singing, playing the piano, cooking, entertaining family and friends and travel. As a child she was in Job’s Daughters, loved basketball, swimming, singing, cooking and art. Virginia is loved and will be missed by us all. A memorial service will be held back in Fayetteville, NY at a later date. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Oakwood for the excellent care given to Virginia and their compassion during her final days. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761