Hildur Ann Pearce

South Kingstown, RI. Hildur A. Pearce, 83, of Wakefield, RI, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 20th, 2023 at home. She was the loving wife of W. Joseph Pearce, CPA for 61 years.

Born in Haugesund, Norway on May 28, 1939, the daughter of the late Sverre M. Ludvigsen and Brita O. Ludvigsen. She is survived by her three daughters Karen A. Follett (Howard) of Wakefield, Laura J. LeClair (Brian) of Wakefield and Kirsten A. Pearson (Craig) of North Carolina. Her six siblings, Solveig B. Smith of Charlestown, Svanhild M. Pratt of Narragansett, S. Martin Ludvigsen of Wakefield, E. Louis Ludvigsen of Wakefield, Mary L. Nelle of Wakefield and Deborah A. Champlin of Narragansett. Hildur has seven grandchildren and a great- grandson. She is predeceased by her loving sister Lilly M. Whittier, a daughter Beth A. Pearce and a grandson, Dylan J. LeClair.

Hildur immigrated from Norway to the US on a ship with four of her siblings and mother on June 21, 1948. After arriving in Wakefield RI, they all landed at Hanson’s boat yard and resided there before moving to High Street. Hildur learned English, attending South Kingstown High School. She became a big part of her community. She was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Honor for Heroism for saving Norman A Phelps on January 13, 1954, pulling him from the ice on the Saugatucket River.

Her life long passion was her family first. She shared a love for cooking with her sisters and daughters. She was a lifelong avid gardener and a true Salt Pond clammer.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation 10-11 am followed by a funeral service at 11 am in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the RI Community Food Bank, 261 Manton Ave., Providence, RI 02909.