Joyce C Hoffner Pearson

AMHERST, NH - Joyce C. (Christine) Hoffner Pearson, 67, of Amherst, NH, passed peacefully on January 15, 2014 following an illness. Born in Worcester, MA, one of two children, and moved to New Hampshire in 1984. She was preceded in death by her late husband Carl Russell "Russ" Pearson of Amherst, NH, her parents, Harold R. Hoffner and Mildred C. (DeAngelis) of Worcester, MA, grandfather Rudolph Hoffner of Manchester, CT, as well as, grandparents Patsy and Rose (Bovie) DeAngelis of Boston, MA. She is survived by her longtime partner James Burns of Amherst, NH, brother Bruce Hoffner, two nephews Bruce Hoffner Jr. and Shawn Hoffner; all of Worcester, MA, as well as, many cousins. Joyce was born and raised in Worcester, MA, graduating from North High School. She attended Central New England College, Worcester State College, and graduated from the Lutheran Collegiate Bible School in Teaneck, New Jersey. She had a deep Christian faith and relationship with God and was an active member at Highland St. Lutheran Church, Worcester, MA. Joyce's love of dresses began at a young age when she learned to sew them with her mother. She began her career in retail at Jordan Marsh in Boston, followed by a position at Marshalls in Woburn, Ma as the dress buyer. She later joined Schottenstein Stores (Value City Stores) as head of the dress department. At the time of her death she was employed by Ross Stores as Senior Vice-president and general Merchandise Manager, Dress Division, in their New York City buying office. Joyce was a wonderful, loving, caring, compassionate, generous and talented person who will be missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Services will be held on Tuesday January 21, 2014, 11:30 am, at Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. In lieu of flowers it is Joyce's request that donations be made to the Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110.