Hilda Biasca Piersall

Long time Scott Valley resident Hilda Piersall passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2016 at her home on Eastside Rd. in Fort Jones. She was born on March 5, 1923 to Swiss immigrants Henry and Anna Biasca on their dairy farm in Ferndale, CA and was the youngest of eight daughters. Hilda grew up and attended schools in Ferndale and Fortuna, then went to Humboldt State College where she earned her degree and teaching credential. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jack Piersall. They were married on November 29, 1947 and had been married for nearly 59 years when Jack passed away in 2006. Hilda and Jack raised their five children on their ranch on Eastside Rd. in Scott Valley. Hilda taught school at Fort Jones Elementary from 1964 until her retirement in 1993 where she taught several generations of Scott Valley students, including some of her own children and grandchildren. Hilda was known as a “small but mighty” teacher and was also known for her love of dressing up “in style”. In addition to teaching she loved to work in her yard and garden and she was known for the beautiful old blue enamel pots hanging from the trees and fences in her yard and the bright pink petunias along the driveway. She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Fort Jones and her religion was always an important part of her life. After Jack's death, she volunteered at Hospice Shop in Yreka, the Fort Jones Museum, and Loaves and Fishes, and was a member of Fort Jones Women's Club and Senior Ventures. Hilda was blessed in the last year of her life by the presence of her amazing granddaughter Jill, who lived with and lovingly cared for her. Our family will be forever grateful for this special gift of caring and love. We are also very grateful for the care and love given to Mom by her granddaughter-in-law, Jenny Newton, and her extended family, the Gundlachs and Beanes, especially Kyra. Hilda is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Alan and Patsy Piersall of Greenview, daughter Karin Piersall Newton of Fort Jones, daughter and son-in-law Susan and John Lupoli of San Diego, daughter and son-in-law Lauren and Ty Hisatomi of Ashland, OR, and son JD Piersall of Fort Jones. Also surviving are her grandchildren Brett Piersall and wife Tana of Fort Jones, Amber Stewart and husband Alan of Fort Jones, Sarah Griggs and husband Flint of Fort Jones, Clint Newton and wife Jenny of Fort Jones, Greg Newton and wife Laura of Wasilla, AK, Jillian Lupoli of Fort Jones, and Jennie Lupoli of San Diego, and great-grandchildren Creed, Jackson, Zoe, and Greysa Newton, Brody and Bristol Piersall, Aidan, Savina, and Ella Stewart, and Emmitt, Oliver, and Josie Griggs. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Eldon Brom of Sonora, many nieces and nephews and her very special longtime friend Nadine Kellogg. Hilda was preceded in death by her husband Jack, and her sisters, Elma, Irma, Ruby, Lydia, Mary, and Anne, and brother-in-laws Bob Burns, Bruce McLeod, Art Bloomquist, Melvin Barellies, and Shirley Gundlach and nephew Jack Barellies. Services will be held Friday, January 15, 2016 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Parish in Fort Jones with interment in Fort Jones Cemetery and a reception to follow at the Parish Hall. The Piersall family would like to extend thanks to Madrone Hospice for their support and assistance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Madrone Hospice, Scott Valley Scholarships, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Girdner Funeral Chapel, Yreka.

Hilda Biasca Piersall

March 5, 1923 - January 7, 2016