Pierson – Jewell Pierson, of Brooks, AB passed away peacefully at the Newbrook Lodge, Brooks on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at the age of 87 years. Jewell Betty Nerland was born on October 17, 1927 in Gleichen, Alberta, the sixth of eight children of Iver and Pearl Nerland. Jewell grew up on the family farm near Gleichen. With her twin sister, Thelma, and other siblings, she attended a country school until grade 9. For high school, she and her sisters were sent to live in the dormitories at the Cluny High School. Jewell was very active in track and field, softball and skating. The Nerland sisters were very sought after dance partners at the local dances. Following high school, Jewell attended Normal School in Calgary, where she earned her teaching certificate. Her first teaching job took her to Rainier for one year, followed by a posting in Patricia. While teaching in Patricia, Jewell caught the eye of Dan Pierson, a local rancher from Wardlow, just north of the Red Deer River. Dan and Jewell were married on July 8, 1948 in Brooks and made their home along the Berry Creek, until their retirement to a condo in Brooks in 2007. They were blessed with the birth of six children: Elaine, Dixie, Donna, Randy, Brad, and Bruce. Jewell’s years on the ranch as a wife and mother were full. Gardening, cooking, canning, and transporting the kids to various sporting events and music lessons filled her days. The family camping trip was a yearly highlight. Jewell was also an active member of the Ella Jane Women’s Institute. After raising the family, Jewell finally had time for her interests, taking up curling and golf in her fifties. Quilting with friends at the Duchess Mennonite Church became a weekly outing. Also an avid sports fan, Jewell enjoyed watching every kind of sport on TV, but especially loved to be able to watch her grandchildren’s games and activities. Jewell’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were a great part of her life. She looked forward to each birth, graduation, and wedding. Taking a personal interest in each of their lives, she would pray for the needs of each one. After Dan’s passing in March of 2008, Jewell moved to the Newbrook Lodge, where she resided until her passing. At the Lodge, Jewell was always on the go. She could be seen playing cards, line dancing, attending church services and participating in hymn sing. During the last few years of her life, Jewell was busy checking off her bucket list, travelling to Israel, PEI, Niagara Falls and Branson, Missouri. Jesus was very personal to Jewell, which showed in the way she lived her life as a precious mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all, but we know she is walking with Him. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Dan; grandsons Kody Pierson, Bobby Campbell and Matthew Campbell; parents Iver and Pearl Nerland; brothers Orlan, Lawrence, and Norman Nerland; sister Inga Schneider. She is survived by her children: Elaine (Eric) Rowan, Dixie (Larry) Wasylenka, Donna (John) Campbell, Randy (Rita) Pierson, Brad (Charlotte) Pierson, and Bruce (Connie) Pierson; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; twin sister, Thelma Cooper and sisters Dora Brown and Ivy Baroldi; sister-in-laws Tina Pierson and Rozella Pietz. Jewell’s Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 2:00 PM from the Brooks Evangelical Free Church, 625-8th Street West. Internment at Duchess Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Fellowship lunch at the church will follow the services. In memory of Jewell, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Duchess Mennonite WMSC, Box 81, Duchess, AB T0J 0Z0. Funeral arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, BROOKS, ALBERTA. Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
