Vanessa J Peirce, of Lafayette Hill, PA (formerly of Flourtown, PA), passed away peacefully at The Hill at Whitemarsh on November 29, with her family by her side. Vanessa was born in Derbyshire, England in 1935, the daughter of Audrey (Hutchinson) and Geoffrey Lawton. She moved to Philadelphia in 1947, graduated from Springside School in 1954 and Peirce College in 1956.
Vanessa was married to W. Grant Peirce III for 36 years, and together they raised five sons. She later wed Richard T. Geruson. Vanessa loved the outdoors and enjoyed tennis, golf, skiing, reading, and travel. She loved spending time at the New Jersey shore, where her home in Mantoloking was a weekend gathering place for her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She regularly traveled to St. Thomas, USVI, another favorite spot on the globe.
Vanessa was an avid lover of animals, who cared for and raised hundreds of pets during her lifetime. She was generous with her support of artists, musicians, animals, and people in need. She was an active member of Sunnybrook Golf Club, The Acorn Club, The Wissahickon Garden Club and the Bay Head Yacht club. Her fighting spirit, and the love of her family, carried her through and well beyond a significant health challenge she faced in 2006. She remained a devoted mother and grandmother, the core of her family, gracious, strong, witty, and a force to be reckoned with for 17 more years.
Vanessa is predeceased by her husbands W. Grant Peirce III and Rick Geruson, and her sister, Dawn Wild. She is survived by her sister Susan; her loving sons and daughters-in-law Brian (Teresa), Dana (Barb), Robin (Holly), Grant (Deborah) and Michael (Amy); grandchildren Bob, Stephanie, Geoffrey, Elizabeth, Ryan, Ann, Vanessa, Aidan, Drew, Morgan, Caitlin, Hannah and Grant; Eight great grandchildren and Jona her loving caregiver.
A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s Church, Chestnut Hill on December 20th at 11 AM. Contributions in Vanessa’s name can be made to:
Montgomery County SPCA https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/mcspca
MaGee Rehabilitation https://mageerehab.jeffersonhealth.org/get-involved/fundraising-events/
