Passed away on February 15th, 2013 in Covington, Louisiana. She was 91. Myrna had been a 30 year resident of Santa Barbara. Born February 10th, 1922 in Lincoln, Nebraska, she was the daughter of John. E. and Hazel Lowe. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Thad Lowe, John Lowe and Wendell Lowe. She has one surviving sister, Patricia Stohlman, and was predeceased by her sisters Virginia Reichert and Mildred Bara.
Myrna was married to James Lyle Piercey on May 24th, 1941 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The couple then moved to Seattle, Washington. They had three daughters. Marsha Piercey (predeceased) and survived by Patricia Alker, husband Paul Alker and Carol Wagner, husband Bill Wagner, Jr. Myrna and Lyle were married for fifty years. In Seattle, Myrna began her career working in the aerospace industry for Boeing. That career took her to Bangor Maine, New Orleans, Louisiana, Tempe Arizona and Houston, Texas. While in Houston, at The Manned Spacecraft Center, she worked on the team that developed the space suits for the astronauts. Myrna worked on several of the Appolo Missions. She and Lyle then retired to Santa Barbara, California in 1979.
She is survived by grandchildren Kevin Alker, Michael Alker, Julie Bean and Max Wagner. Her great grandchildren include Stephann Alker, Brittany Alker, Ashley Alker, Rebekah Alker and Zachary Bean. Myrna loved bridge. She achieved Master Bridge Player status and enjoyed several wins in duplicate tournaments in Santa Barbara. She was a member of the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.
She was very involved with Eastern Star and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara. Sincere thanks for all the kind condolences from family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimers research in her memory would be greatly appreciated.
Myrna was a very kind, positive lady and a great listener. She had a way of pointing out to people their best qualities. She left you feeling better about yourself having spent time in her company. She will be greatly missed.
