RICHVILLE – Barbara J. Pierce, age 73, of Richville, passed away on January 16, 2026 at her home.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. There will be no service. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Barbara was born on September 10, 1952 in Gouverneur to the late George and Eugenie (Joudry) Gardner. She attended the Richville School, St. James Catholic School, and graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1970. Barb earned her Bachelor's degree in English and Education from Plattsburgh State College.

She married George R. Pierce on June 25, 1977 in Gouverneur. The couple has been together for 52 years.

Barbara had worked for St. Lawrence County Social Services in the Child Protective Services Department for a few years before becoming a Probation Officer. She worked as a Probation Officer for St. Lawrence County for over 30 years, retiring in 2012.

Her family was everything to her. She loved her time with her siblings, children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed music and going out to eat with her friends.

Barb is survived by her husband, George Pierce, two children, Liza Bowman and her partner, Donald McIntosh, and Joshua Pierce and his girlfriend, Lori Chambers, and six siblings, George "Bob" (Dana) Gardner, Connie (Tom) Matchette, Giselle Thompson, Douglas (Judy) Gardner, Daniel (Jane) Gardner, and Cathleen (Steven) Keyes. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Bryanna Bowman, Abigail Bowman, Raeleigh McIntosh, Carson Chambers and Cassidy Chambers, a great-grandson, Elijah Donovan, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.