Angelina Dauro Pierce

  Angelina Dauro "Shorty" Pierce, age 98, of Mattoon, IL, passed away at 2:50 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon.
  A Memorial Mass honoring her life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Parish Center in Mattoon. A committal service and burial will be held at a later date in Gulfport, MS. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the Parish Center. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family.
  Shorty was born on October 28, 1925, in Long Beach, MS, the daughter of Samuel J. and Pauline (Giametta) Dauro. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and attended Mississippi State College for Women (now Mississippi University for Women), graduating in 1948. She married the love of her life, Francis M. Pierce, on November 5, 1948, and they celebrated 60 years together before he preceded her in death on December 31, 2008.
Survivors include her daughters: Debbie Pierce of Mattoon, IL, and Suzie Pierce (Bob) Sawyer of Gulfport, MS; three grandchildren: Dr. John (Michael) Sawyer of New Orleans, LA, Betsey Sawyer (Chris) Estrade of Pass Christian, MS, and Mark Whitson of Northbrook, IL; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Ann Stewart of Gulfport, MS; plus, several nieces and nephews.
  Shorty was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; and two brothers.
  Shorty was a homemaker. She and Francis spent hours on the tennis courts at Lytle Park, guiding and teaching young boys and girls to play the sport. She and Francis were also avid bridge-players, readers, philanthropists, and members of the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. She was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
  The family wishes to thank Kerry, Anita, and the rest of the staff at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home for the wonderful care they provided for Shorty. They also wish to thank Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice for their care of Shorty in her final days.
  Memorial donations in her honor may be given to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon.