Ronnie Anne Pearce

Born on January 1, 1942, in Invercargill, New Zealand to Annie Isabella McLean and Ronald James McLean, Ronnie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Alistair Henderson McLean, her first husband of 31 years, John W. Pearce III, and by her second husband James Richard Wright.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Kristin Anne Pearce and Lisa Kimberly Austin, Lisa’s husband David Wade, and her cherished grandsons, Kyle Hadleigh Austin and Scott McLean Austin. She is also survived by her stepson Clint Wesley Wright and his wife Andrea Lora, as well as her sister, Jill Marie Galt, her husband Julian Vaughan Galt and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Dunedin Teachers College, Ronnie began her teaching career in New Zealand before moving to London, where she taught primary school and embraced every opportunity to travel. Her adventures took her across Europe, to Egypt, and eventually to the United States, where she settled in 1967.

Ronnie had a passion for life and a wide array of interests. She was an accomplished ballroom and Latin dancer, a pianist, a gardener, a skilled seamstress, and an avid sportswoman who enjoyed tennis, cricket, and badminton. She found peace in nature, especially by the ocean and during walks at the Dallas Arboretum. A devoted patron of the arts, she was a longtime member of the Dallas Summer Musicals and loved attending the symphony.

Her professional life was marked by nearly 30 years in education, including two decades dedicated to teaching Special Education in Highland Park, Dallas. She also found joy in house sitting, caring for animals, and supporting the elderly.

Ronnie had a rare gift for connecting people across continents. She was selfless, deeply devoted to her family, and fiercely loving toward her children and grandsons. Soft-spoken and full of grace, she embodied elegance, kindness, and quiet strength.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In honor of Ronnie’s memory, the Pearce family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider making a donation or volunteering with the Dallas Arboretum—a place that held a special place in Ronnie’s heart and where she spent many cherished moments.

Contributions can be made here: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/support/

Please wear purple or purple accessories to Ronnie's funeral as a tribute to her favorite color.