New Jersey City University Athletics

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Obituary

JERSEY CITY, NJ (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | The New Jersey City University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics mourns the passing of Dr. Lillian Greenwalt Pearce, a 1994 inductee into the NJCU Athletics Hall of Fame as a women's swimming coach and multi-sport participant, and a 1943 graduate of  the University, then known as New Jersey State Teacher's College at Jersey City.
 
Dr. Pearce passed away in Massachusetts on April 15, 2014 at the age of 90. Born in 1923, she was a long-time resident of Oak Bluffs, Mass. on Martha's Vineyard since retiring from the University in 1992.
 
Her daughter, Lynn B. Pearce Gatchell, `73, is also a 1987 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee in women's swimming and diving, making Dr. Pearce and Ms. Pearce Gatchell the only mother-daughter combination in the NJCU Hall of Fame.
 
Dr. Pearce was a multi-sport participant during her undergraduate years at the institution from 1939-41. As a student she participated in every sport available—archery, badminton, basketball, fencing, softball and volleyball. Prior to the advent of intercollegiate scheduling for women's sports, Dr. Pearce excelled at "Play Days" which brought together women from all area colleges and universities for multiple-event competitions. She earned the Bowman Bar Award for excellence in archery.
 
Professionally, Dr. Pearce served as the head swimming coach while a member of the faculty at Jersey City State College from 1968 through 1978 and continued as an assistant coach from 1979 to 1981.
 
In 1992, she received the Aquatic Council Service Award from the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
 
In addition to her degree from Jersey City State Teacher's College, she earned an additional bachelor's degree from Boston University, a master's degree from Montclair State University and an Ed. D from Sarasota University.
 
Per Dr. Pearce's wishes, her body has been donated to the Boston University Medical Center, in lieu of a funeral service. Cards may be sent to her family at her daughter's address: Box 538, Oak Bluff, MA 02557.