June Carolyn Pierce

June C. Pierce was born in New Haven, CT to the late Alfred C. and Mattie (Powell) Pierce on Sept. 27, 1940.

She transitioned to be with God and Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on Sept 20, 2025.

By profession June was a Registered Nurse receiving her BSN from Southern Connecticut State University.

She also graduated from Hamden High School (Hamden, CT) in 1958 and Norwalk Nursing School (Norwalk, CT) in 1961.

For over 50+ years,  June was a dedicated nurse and educator,  teaching thousands in Southern Connecticut and beyond.  She has been recognized for her extensive career in caring and educating within the nursing profession.

June began her nursing career in the 1960s and served as the head nurse of St. Raphael’s first Coronary Care Unit. She transitioned to full-time nurse education in 1973, teaching at institutions like St. Raphael’s (as a Nurse Educator in critical care units) and Gateway Community College in New Haven (in the Certified Nursing Assistant program). June taught various subjects including Electrocardiogram (EKG) strip reading, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), general skills, and Phlebotomy training. She was a pioneer in nursing, especially as an African American woman in the medical profession.

She received numerous awards including the prestigious Mary E. Mahoney Award from the Southern Connecticut Black Nurses Association for “Outstanding Service and Dedication to Nursing “. In 1995, she received the Outstanding CPR Instructor Award from the American Heart Association (Connecticut Affiliate). She was the recipient of the “Salute to Nurses” award in 2018. She was nominated and described as a “wonderful role model”. June’s retirement party in 2006 was attended by 278 people, indicating the high esteem in which she is held.

June was the walking example of faith and peace.  At the time of her death, she was a member of St. Martin De Porres Church in New Haven, CT., where she was a member of the counting team and was called to do readings during mass.

June could walk into any room and a sense of calm, order, and respect that would take over.  Her reserved nature touched the hearts of all who love her. When speaking to family and friends about June, the stories are all different, yet the same.

June had a way of making you feel important and loved.

June found immense satisfaction in teaching and seeing students grasp new concepts. In her words, June said, “I’m doing what I love to do most and what I do best… I love when the light bulb goes on and the students have an ‘aha’ moment”.

Some of her caregivers in her final days had the honor of saying they were her students.

June was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Mattie (Powell) Pierce, and her sister Joyce Pierce Wright. She is survived by her loving niece Michelle Wright, and a host of devoted family and friends, and her frisky cat Oliver.

May June’s memory be a blessing.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 9am at Saint Martin De Porres 136 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.