Carolyn Littlepage Pearce, 79, of Spotsylvania County passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, at Hughes Home, surrounded by her children.

She loved to laugh and was known for her sense of humor, big heart and gentle nature.

Mrs. Pearce was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and the Washington School for Secretaries and attended George Washington University, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Prior to moving to Spotsylvania she lived in Alexandria and at Lake of the Woods. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Red Hat Society. She also belonged to several bridge groups.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Ira H. Pearce Sr.

Survivors include her sons, Ira Pearce Jr. and wife Kathy of Midlothian and Jim Pearce and wife Driana of Ashburn; daughters Judith Calvert and husband Robert of Spotsylvania, Gerry Newton and husband Michael of Fredericksburg and Susan Fagan and husband Todd of Shepherdstown, W.Va.; brother Thomas P. Littlepage and wife Felicity of Fitchburg, Mass.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mary Washington Hospice, 5012 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, Va. 22407; or a charity of one's choice.

Online guest book is at covenantfuneralservice.com.