Carlen Pierce

Mrs. Carlen Lee Pierce, age 39, of South Loop Road, Steamburg, New York died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, April 29, 2009.

Born on June 24, 1969 she was the daughter of Hobart Nolan Cooper, Pennsylvania. She was married for 17 years to Vernon Pierce Sr. who survives.

Mrs. Pierce was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Turtle Clan.

She was employed as an Assistant Manager at Highbanks Campground, Steamburg, New York for the past several years.

She was very proud of her sons and enjoyed watching them play lacrosse. She shared her love of dirt track racing with her sons and they could be seen at Stateline Speedway every Saturday night cheering on their favorite driver, Chad Valone. She will be deeply missed by her family and those dear to her.

Surviving besides her husband are: 2 sons, Vernon Pierce Jr., Brian Pierce, both at home; 2 sisters, Laura (Mike Gross) Cooper, Trudy Oldshield, both of Salamanca, New York; 3 brothers, William G. Cooper, Salamanca, New York, Marvin Cooper, Steamburg, New York, Kirby (Carlyn White) Ferguson, Salamanca, New York; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Emery and Reva Dowdy Jacobs, paternal grandparents, Alton and Edna John Cooper, maternal aunt, Elizabeth “Betsy” Harrison.

Friends may call today and all day Friday at the family home, 117 South Loop Road, Steamburg, New York.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning beginning at 9:30 A.M. in the family home followed by services at 10:00 A.M. in the Coldspring Longhouse.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com. .