Gertrude Pierce

Gertrude “Tula” “Gertie” Pierce (nee Ochoa) passed away in Silver Spring, Maryland, on January 17, 2025, at the age of 91. 

Tula, as she was known to her family, was born the youngest of six children in Guamúchil, Sinaloa, Mexico, to Ricardo Ochoa and Mercedes Payán. She spent her early childhood in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, before immigrating to Los Angeles, California with her family in 1943.

Gertie, as she was known to her friends, graduated from Belmont Senior High School in Los Angeles in 1952, where she was a star athlete and student. Her early career included working as an executive assistant in corporate offices of oil and insurance companies in LA.

In 1964, Gertie met and married her husband Bob Pierce. Together they raised three sons in the community of Temple City in Southern California. She stayed close to her sons by working as the librarian at the local elementary school. 

Tula was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and “Cool Aunt,” who enjoyed friends, camping, reading, cooking and baking. She was famous for her cakes and “Tula’s Tamales.” She was known as “Nani” to her six grandchildren, who she enjoyed doting on and spoiling.

She spent 30 active years of retirement with her husband RVing, traveling, and living in the pine forest of Shingletown, California. 

 In 2017, she and Bob moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, to be closer to their youngest son Steve.

Gertrude Pierce is survived by her devoted husband Robert “Bob” Pierce, her sons Robert Pierce, Jr., Michael Pierce, and Steven Pierce, her daughters-in-law Mira Schwirtz, Wendi Gosliner, and Stephanie Osborn, and her grandchildren Diego Pierce, Mercedes Pierce, Maya Pierce, Nora Pierce, Robert Pierce III, and Cadryn Pierce.

A small private ceremony is to be held in Silver Spring. The family is planning celebration of her life in to coming months in Southern California.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gertrude’s memory may be sent to https://shingletownlibrary.org. The library in Shingletown was an important community resource, where Tula volunteered many hours.