Josephine "Toddy" Pierson

Josephine "Toddy" Pierson, 93, of Fort Collins, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2015.

Toddy was born on Dec. 2, 1921, in Rawlins, Wyo., to the late Jacob and Josephine Amanda (Herbertson) Ziegler. From the beginning of her life until the very end, Toddy displayed the importance of enduring and beating the odds of the challenges she faced. She was a proud Wyoming native taking great pride in participating in the annual Cheyenne Frontier Day activities. Toddy worked as a secretary for the Governor of Wyoming and for the Wyoming Treasury Department, where she met her future husband. On Nov. 11, 1945 in Cheyenne, Wyo., she exchanged wedding vows with Robert Eliot Pierson. Toddy assisted her husband in his veterinary practice in Saratoga, prior to moving to Fort Collins. They cherished their vows the rest of their lives; and even in her last days when her health became a challenge, her husband faithfully repeated the vows he made on his wedding day to his family. In addition to working as an accountant in other offices, Toddy's most important job was being a mother and a homemaker. Over the years she was a member of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, Veterinary Auxiliary of Colorado, Advisory of Student Wives Auxiliary and Toddy was an avid bridge player.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Fred, Susan, Jacob Ziegler and Helene Larkin.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Dr. Robert E. Pierson; sons, William Robert Pierson, and Philip E. Pierson (Roxanne); daughter Sally Pierson John (Michael); seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren.

A service celebrating her life will be held on July 31, 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins, Colo., with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, Colo. 80526.

Toddy will be remembered by her zest for life, devotion to family, her strong and unique personality, keen sense of humor, and most of her all, her ability to persevere through the many challenges she faced in her life.