MARY MOUSSEAU PIERSON

Mary “Mary Jo” was born to Carol and Bernard Mousseau in Alpena, Michigan where she graduated from Alpena High School in 1982. A lover of animals, she began her lifelong passion for horseback riding. After graduating as a travel agent, she met her husband while living in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Mary and John, of Sidney, New York, were married at her hometown church in Ossineke, Michigan in 1985.

Following their wedding, John and Mary moved to southern California and then three years later to Westerly, Rhode Island. Their daughter, Alexis, was born in 1990 after which they moved to Great Urswick, United Kingdom where they had Carolyn “Carly” (1993) and Lauren (1996). During their time abroad, Mary formed many lifelong friendships and treasured memories. After moving back to the US in 1997, they had Alicia (1998) in Jacksonville, Florida before arriving at her forever home in northern Virginia (2000).

“Ms. Mary” enjoyed working at Mountain View Elementary School as a cafeteria hostess for 15 years which reflected her affinity for nurturing children. There she started the “Drum Beaters” club in 2005, a percussion group for fifth graders where she inspired young minds to appreciate music.

Life’s simplest pleasures brought great happiness to Mary, tending to her flower garden, Sunday morning coffee with her husband after church, entertaining friends on the back deck, watching birds nibble at the feeder, a motherly embrace, crafting fairy doors, decorating her home for the holidays, long chats with dear friends, and being surrounded by her family. Her positive spirit, infectious laugh, and friendliness were contagious to everyone around her. Always ready with a kind smile and a helping hand, her daughters’ friends loved gathering around the kitchen table for after-school snacks and fun craft projects.

Mary is survived by her husband, John, four daughters, Alexis (Brooklyn, New York), Carolyn “Carly” (Gainesville, Virginia), Lauren (Gainesville, Virginia), Alicia (Gainesville, Virginia) and four siblings, Jeanne Cornelius (Mike) of Spruce, Michigan, David Mousseau (Gina) of Redmond, Washington, Ann McPherson (Dennis) of Elk Grove, California, Paul Mousseau (Pam) of Jacksonville, Florida, her in-laws Robert Pierson (Connie) of Holden, Massachusetts, Karen Elrod (Rick) of Jacksonville, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded by both of her parents.

All who were touched by Mary are invited to honor her legacy with the family:

Calling Hours will be held at Baker-Post Funeral Home between 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30, 10001 Nokesville Rd. Manassas, Virginia, 20010

Funeral Service will be held at St. Stephen the Martyr at 1pm on Tuesday, August 31, 23331 Sam Fred Rd. Middleburg, Virginia, 20117

Mary’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Gifts for Kids through Park Valley Church in the spirit of Mary’s compassion for children in need at parkvalleychurch.com/giving. Find “Give Now” and select the “Gifts for Kids” fund.