Angeline (Jo) Pearce, 91, died peace- fully in her Emmaus home April 14, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Robert Pearce. Born in her family's farmhouse in Milford Square, near Quakertown, she, along with her three brothers and two sisters worked from early childhood to help their father succeed in farming.

Attendance in school in the Quakertown area was wedged between very early mornings and long afternoons and evenings of farm work. Even so, she became a spelling champion and was taken to Doylestown to represent the area in competition. This kind of upbringing resulted in a beautiful young lady with a very strong sense of responsibility.

She traveled extensively in various states and foreign countries, aiding her husband in his career.

She was very active working with the Allentown Symphony Association, including one year of serving as Symphony Ball chairman. She also served on the Symphony Women's Committee for over 20 years, and was instrumental in organizing a fundraising project called the Holiday Carousel. Each year during the Christmas season, small concerts were held in about 10 homes in the Lehigh Valley. Music lovers purchased tickets and many thousands of dollars were raised to support the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. For 16 consecutive years she hosted the event in the Pearce family's Emmaus home.

Her hobby was oil painting and many of her lovely creations are found hanging on the walls of friends and family.

She is survived by her husband; daughter, Joanne and her husband Gavin Martin of Los Angeles, Calif.; son, Dr. Robert and his wife Kelly Leon-Pearce of Corte Madera, Calif.; two grandchildren, Robert "R.J." and Lianne; brother, Philip Grida who still runs the family farm in Milford Suqare, and sister, Josephine Zaengle of Allentown.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Allentown Symphony, 23 North 6th St., Allentown, 18101.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Calling hour will be held 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the church. Arrangements were made by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.