Barbara F. (Smith) Pierce

New Castle, NH/Rowley, MA – Barbara F. Pierce, 82, peacefully entered into eternal life on Friday September 5, 2025  at her home at Secret Pond, her loving family holding her hands.  Born in Ipswich in 1943 she was the daughter of the late Frank T. and Stella C. (Gurynski) Smith, and the wife of the late David H. Pierce.

     Barbie was a 1960 graduate of Ipswich High School and the accredited Katherine Gibbs School.  She began as a secretary and worked her way up to Executive Secretary at Varian Associates.  She met her future husband Dave, a career Electronic Engineer there and wed in 1966.  They enjoyed 55 years of marriage in Rowley and Greenfield, NH before Dave’s passing in 2021.  In 1985, having advanced to the highest in the corporate world she set out on her own and created New Horizons, providing business services to small companies.  In addition, she was her brother’s business manager, earning the title ‘Ms. Perfect’ for her tireless attention to every detail.

     Family holidays and gatherings took place at Sunny Acres, their retreat in Greenfield, NH (for nearly forty years she trimmed and maintained her well known wild high-bush blueberry field.)  Barb & Dave shared their love of cats for over fifty years.  Most recently was Jethro for 16 years who died on Wednesday and will be buried together.  Above all, she always thought of her family ahead of herself.  She looked after both parents and Dave in their declining years.  Upon Dave’s passing she moved to New Castle to start a new chapter of her life. 

     She enjoyed travel to many places yet her favorite was Hawaii, having gone 14 times.  Through her cancer journey, Barbie, Ken and Tom checked off a few bucket list items with a cross country train trip, a tour of France, a Caribbean cruise along with other adventures.  For over 55 years she maintained her beautiful gardens in Rowley, sharing perenials with friends and family that live on in her memory.  Among her many hobbies and crafts were creating jewelry, sewing, knitting, and just about any imaginable accessory for their home.  Above all, she enjoyed the comfort of her new home with a magnificent view of Secret Pond, gardens, forest, and tidal marsh.  It was a daily tradition to chart the rising and falling of the tides.  She loved her new house and her new life.  Cancer cut that short.

     Tom and Ken would like to personally thank everyone at Senior Helpers, Aging Excellence, New England Cancer Center and Tufts for their compassionate care given to Barbara throughout her journey.  While the individuals are too numerous to name we extend our debt of gratitude to all.  Their kindness was heartfelt.

      An hour of visitation will be held Monday,  September 15th,  from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. at the Morris Funeral Home  45 North Main Street, Ipswich, MA.  A graveside service will follow at 12 noon at the New Highland Cemetery  29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich.  A celebration of life will be held at the Bradford Tavern   87 Haverhill Street, Rowley  immediately thereafter.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to all.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to:  The Ipswich Humane Group  PO Box 873  Ipswich MA  01938-0873.  To send a letter of condolence to Barbie’s family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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