Serena Belle Pierce

Serena Belle Pierce (née Risley)— beloved grandma, 'mama', wife, sister, and friend — embarked on her next adventure March 8th, 2022, at the age of 77. Serena was born to parents Norma and Silas Risley on January 31, 1945, in Topeka, KS. A gifted and inspired student, she graduated from Topeka High School in 1963. Shortly after completing her studies, Serena met her first husband, the late Bernard Nobo. The pair married in 1966 and relocated to Amarillo, TX for a time before settling in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, their home for the next ten years. Together they brought three amazing daughters into the world— Monique Nobo (Los Angeles, CA), Christina Mapes (Topeka, KS), and Elena Bauguess (Topeka, KS). Following her separation from her first husband, Serena was blessed with another beautiful daughter, Michelle Risley (Topeka, KS). Fatefully, she married Jay Pierce in 1985 and the two remained together until her passing. From this marriage came a miracle, Serena's youngest daughter, Rebecca Pierce (Topeka, KS). Serena was welcomed home by both her parents, her brother Samuel Risley (Topeka, KS) and her sister Sharlotte Risley (West Hampton, MA), who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, her brother Silas "Brodie" Risley, her 5 lucky pennies—daughters Monique, Christina, Elena, Michelle, and Rebecca— their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Serena was an extraordinary woman whose absence will be deeply felt by those who know and love her. She was so many things to so many people that it would be nearly impossible to capture them all here. Serena was a loyal friend, an avid reader, an amateur veterinarian, a prodigious musician, a talented artist, an amazing cook, a passionate equestrian and scuba diver, a gifted gardener, a collector of all things unique and beautiful, and a master homemaker. Her smile lit up any room she graced with her presence and she had a tinkling laugh truly befitting of a woman whose middle name was Belle. She was home personified— was warm and inviting, and you couldn't help but feel safe and comfortable with her. She was selfless to a fault and spent her entire life caring for those she loved. Whether you needed a tender hug and kiss, to 'steal' a handful of candy, or a place to stay—Serena was always there and willing to provide. She did everything she could for her family and then some. She loved us all more than anything and made sure, even in her final days, that we all knew it. Serena will continue to live on in all of us— in our faces, our hearts, and memories, in our recipes and traditions. She will doubtless be there to welcome each of us home with a hug and a kiss and maybe even a delicious meal, just as she did during her days with us on Earth. Until then, may we all take the best parts of her and share them with others so that they too can experience Serena Belle Pierce.