Elizabeth Jean Knapper Pearce, MD, 84, died Feb. 17, 2017.

She was the wife of Richard C. Pearce, MD.

Born in Phillipsburg, she was the granddaughter of Professor Joseph S. Knapper Jr., her legal guardian.

A graduate of Pottsville High School, she was a member of Phi Gamma Lambda and enjoyed cheerleading.

She received her registered nurse degree from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, where she was president of the graduating class.

She attended San Francisco State University and the Women’s Medical College where she received her medical degree.

She interned at the Allentown Hospital and was a resident in internal medicine at the George Washington Medical Center, Washington D.C.

She completed a dermatology residency at the University of Pennsylvania and Geisinger Medical Center and practiced dermatology in Allentown for 25 years before retiring in 1997.

While in active practice in Allentown, she was a member of multiple medical organizations and charitable groups.

An avid skier and golfer, she belonged to Lehigh Country Club and Bonita Bay Club.

She was a member of Central Moravian Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children by marriage, Karen Dorothy Pearce Sonier and husband, Michael, of Center Valley; Richard Charles Pearce II and wife, Kristen, of Orefield; five grandchildren Megan Dorothy Sonier, Timothy Richard Sonier, Nicole Elizabeth Pearce, Ashley Kristen Pearce; and Amber Marie Carreras; nephew William Knapper of Sinking Springs.

She was predeceased by her brother Joseph S Knapper IV .

A celebration of life will take place 10 a.m. March 3 in the Old Chapel at Central Moravian Church, Heckewelder Alley, behind the Central Moravian Church Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Elizabeth Knapper Pearce Fund at Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Arrangements made by Trexler Funeral Home Inc., Allentown.