Laila Gulia Pierson

Laila was born May 30, 1942, in Asmara, Eritrea to Ruggero and Adele (Spano) Leonardi, the 2nd of 6 children. In her life she married Bart, and had two children, 3 grandchildren, a step-grandchild, 4 great-grandchildren, 1 step great-grandchild, and traveled the world. She was multilingual, elegant, gracious, helped the homeless, and her greatest passion was rescuing strays. Her ranch on Guam became a haven for abandoned dogs, and she knew the names of all 68.

She will be cremated and taken to Eritrea to be buried with her parents, brother, sister, and nephew.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ruggero Leonardi and Adele Spano, sisters: Agostina Mirta "Lilly" Walters and Loskywara Paola Dunkelberger; brother Gulio Leonardi, nephews: Richard Walters and Miguel Roger Dunkelberger.

She is survived by her children Tommy L. Pierson and Chinee Babe (Melgarejo), Belinda L. Pierson and Salvatore Vitale, grandchildren and step-grandchild: Asfaha H. Pierson and Vanessa (Reyes), Travis S. Pierson, Anastassya J. Pierson and Alex Calderon and Ma. Paula M. Lentijas.

Brothers Armando M. Leonardi and Lemlem Y. Teclemariam, Roberto Leonardi and Veronica (Lopez).

Great-grandchildren and step-great grandchild: Jonavan A.L. Pierson, Carlos S. Pierson, Roman P. Pierson, Ashira E. Pierson, and Yeshua R. Concepcion.

Nieces and nephews: Orenella S. Leonardi and Salvatore (Tradori) and children, Alexander D. Dunkelberger, Alessandra Leonardi and Marco Macri and children, Roberto Leonardi and Jasmin (Blas) and children, Armando Leonardi and children.

Cousins: Abun Zegta and Debesai Mogos, Frewani Mogos, Ghenet Mogos and Samuel (Kibrom), Tmnit Mogos, Sewit Mogos and Solomon (Gabriel), Selam Mogos and Joel (Liptak), Saron Mogos and Nick (Armstrong), Mlueberhan Mogos, Yohannes Mogos and all their children.

She will be missed by all extended family and friends around the world.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal shelter, homeless shelter, or a church, as these were important to her.