Obituary for Phyllis Marie Pierce
Phyllis Marie (Hoffer) Pierce of Waterford, New York, died after a brief illness on Monday, October 30, 2023. She passed away peacefully, listening to one of her favorite old school country songs, “Farewell Party,” surrounded by her loving family. She was 80 years old.
Born on April 2, 1943, Phyllis grew up in Argyle, New York, the daughter of Nettie Mae (Chapin) Hoffer and Robert E. Hoffer. She was one of five children, and the only girl, spending her childhood on a working dairy farm with the same chores as her brothers. As a First-Generation German American, she was proud of her family’s heritage, and maintained relationships throughout her life with many relatives still in Austria. Phyllis graduated from Argyle Central School and shortly after married the love of her life, George F. Pierce Jr. of Fort Edward, New York. The two were married for almost 60 years.
Affectionately known as “Tilly,” she had a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime, her proudest being a mother to her four children. Her career began working in her children’s school cafeteria. She then moved on as a teaching assistant in the Special Education department, also at ACS. In the mid-80s, she and George moved to Troy, New York and opened “Building #3,” a small, blue-collar tavern in the heart of South Troy. For years, Tilly and Geo enjoyed having long term friendships with their group of regulars that came in for a cold Genny Cream Ale and her homemade chili. After selling the business, she began her seven-year retail career at Walmart, retiring with the title of manager.
Throughout the years, she enjoyed cheering on Carl Edwards during Nascar races and watching her favorite New York sporting teams like the Bills, Yankees, and Giants, and attending sporting events, concerts, and milestone moments for her grandchildren. In the 70s, she enjoyed her weekly bowling excursions, her perfectly coifed, frosted wigs and her blue velvet hot pants. In more recent years, Tilly loved to order something new online just about every week, bet on the ponies, play games on her phone like Candy Crush and gossip on Facebook, earning herself the nickname “Times Union Tilly.” Beyond a general love of animals, she was specifically fond of Husky dogs, after being gifted one by George years ago while living on the Story Road Farm. Over her lifetime, she collected countless Husky related items from stuffed animals to blankets and cutting boards. She was also an avid collector of Native American dolls and memorabilia. When visiting her home, it was commonplace to see her favorite soap operas and game shows on the TV, and country music tunes playing while she and George did a little Argyle shuffle dance move. She would also make sure to offer food, like her famous “baked zita,” lasagna, or goulash. Italian foods were her specialty but saying them correctly wasn’t always. Tilly loved any family event, specifically ones centered around the Fort Edward home of her cherished mother-in-law, Elizabeth “Gram” Pierce. Her favorite holiday was always Christmas, happy to spend that time with the ones she loved the most.
Beyond her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Geo, and her brothers, Bobby Hoffer (Elaine) and Phil Hoffer (Sandra), and a plethora of her beloved animal companions.
She is survived by her four children, Steven Pierce (Rob), Tracey Pierce (Carlos), Michael Pierce (Elaine), and Kelly Reed (Kevin), as well as her grandchildren, Brandon, Zachary (Alessandra) and Tyler Reed, and Chloe Pierce. Last year, she was incredibly honored to gain the title of great grandmother to baby Charlotte Reed. She was also very close with her nieces, Kristen and Kaitlin Brown. Phyllis is also survived by two of her brothers; Rod Hoffer (Joanne) and Ron Hoffer (Cindy), and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Samaritan Hospital for the care and kindness extended during her hospital stay. Specifically, Nurse Gabby, who made sure Tilly and her family were comfortable during her final moments.
Friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Friday, November 3, 2023, at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Argyle, NY 12809.
A Funeral Service will be conducted following the calling hours at 1pm at the funeral home.
Burial will follow the funeral service at Gansevoort Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome; however, as an alternative, those wishing to may donate in Phyllis’ name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, online at https://www.mohawkhumane.org/donate or mail to 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204 . Her deeply loved chihuahua, Tia, who passed away in 2021, will be buried along with her.
Born on April 2, 1943, Phyllis grew up in Argyle, New York, the daughter of Nettie Mae (Chapin) Hoffer and Robert E. Hoffer. She was one of five children, and the only girl, spending her childhood on a working dairy farm with the same chores as her brothers. As a First-Generation German American, she was proud of her family’s heritage, and maintained relationships throughout her life with many relatives still in Austria. Phyllis graduated from Argyle Central School and shortly after married the love of her life, George F. Pierce Jr. of Fort Edward, New York. The two were married for almost 60 years.
Affectionately known as “Tilly,” she had a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime, her proudest being a mother to her four children. Her career began working in her children’s school cafeteria. She then moved on as a teaching assistant in the Special Education department, also at ACS. In the mid-80s, she and George moved to Troy, New York and opened “Building #3,” a small, blue-collar tavern in the heart of South Troy. For years, Tilly and Geo enjoyed having long term friendships with their group of regulars that came in for a cold Genny Cream Ale and her homemade chili. After selling the business, she began her seven-year retail career at Walmart, retiring with the title of manager.
Throughout the years, she enjoyed cheering on Carl Edwards during Nascar races and watching her favorite New York sporting teams like the Bills, Yankees, and Giants, and attending sporting events, concerts, and milestone moments for her grandchildren. In the 70s, she enjoyed her weekly bowling excursions, her perfectly coifed, frosted wigs and her blue velvet hot pants. In more recent years, Tilly loved to order something new online just about every week, bet on the ponies, play games on her phone like Candy Crush and gossip on Facebook, earning herself the nickname “Times Union Tilly.” Beyond a general love of animals, she was specifically fond of Husky dogs, after being gifted one by George years ago while living on the Story Road Farm. Over her lifetime, she collected countless Husky related items from stuffed animals to blankets and cutting boards. She was also an avid collector of Native American dolls and memorabilia. When visiting her home, it was commonplace to see her favorite soap operas and game shows on the TV, and country music tunes playing while she and George did a little Argyle shuffle dance move. She would also make sure to offer food, like her famous “baked zita,” lasagna, or goulash. Italian foods were her specialty but saying them correctly wasn’t always. Tilly loved any family event, specifically ones centered around the Fort Edward home of her cherished mother-in-law, Elizabeth “Gram” Pierce. Her favorite holiday was always Christmas, happy to spend that time with the ones she loved the most.
Beyond her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Geo, and her brothers, Bobby Hoffer (Elaine) and Phil Hoffer (Sandra), and a plethora of her beloved animal companions.
She is survived by her four children, Steven Pierce (Rob), Tracey Pierce (Carlos), Michael Pierce (Elaine), and Kelly Reed (Kevin), as well as her grandchildren, Brandon, Zachary (Alessandra) and Tyler Reed, and Chloe Pierce. Last year, she was incredibly honored to gain the title of great grandmother to baby Charlotte Reed. She was also very close with her nieces, Kristen and Kaitlin Brown. Phyllis is also survived by two of her brothers; Rod Hoffer (Joanne) and Ron Hoffer (Cindy), and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Samaritan Hospital for the care and kindness extended during her hospital stay. Specifically, Nurse Gabby, who made sure Tilly and her family were comfortable during her final moments.
Friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Friday, November 3, 2023, at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Argyle, NY 12809.
A Funeral Service will be conducted following the calling hours at 1pm at the funeral home.
Burial will follow the funeral service at Gansevoort Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome; however, as an alternative, those wishing to may donate in Phyllis’ name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, online at https://www.mohawkhumane.org/donate or mail to 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204 . Her deeply loved chihuahua, Tia, who passed away in 2021, will be buried along with her.