My mother, Nora Vincent Pierce, was born in the lively city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and she was truly one of a kind. Though her given name was Nora, to all of us—her family—she was simply “Nan.” It was a name that perfectly captured the warmth, love, and light she brought into every room.
Growing up, Nan taught me some of the most profound lessons in life—lessons that still guide me today. Above all, she instilled in me the importance of respecting others. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, no matter their background or situation. “Always treat others the way you want to be treated,” she would say, and she lived by that philosophy every single day. Her kindness wasn’t reserved for just those she knew—it extended to everyone she met. She had an open heart and a welcoming spirit, and it’s something I continue to admire and strive to emulate.
– Nora Vincent Pierce –
Nan also taught me the power of giving. She was never one to turn away from someone in need. I remember how she would always find ways to help, whether it was offering a meal to someone who was struggling or simply lending a listening ear. For her, helping others wasn’t just a duty—it was a way of life.
She believed that a small act of kindness could change someone’s world, and she lived with that belief as her guiding principle.
One of the most important lessons Nan passed down to me was the value of always doing my best. She never demanded perfection, but she expected effort, dedication, and a sense of pride in whatever I did. It wasn’t about achieving the highest accolades or making a name for myself—it was about knowing that I had given everything I had to the task at hand. This lesson has stuck with me, and I carry it with me in everything I do.
Looking at the only photograph I have left of her, I am reminded of how blessed I was to have had such an extraordinary mother. Nan’s love was unconditional, and her influence remains with me in everything I do. Her name, Nora Vincent Pierce, will forever be etched in my heart, but it’s the love, strength, and wisdom she shared with us that will continue to live on.
Though she is no longer physically with us, her lessons, her example, and her spirit continue to guide me. I am eternally grateful for the mother I had, and for the profound impact she made on all of us who knew her.
