Lucy Pierri will always be remembered by friends and family as a woman who remained positive despite her cancer diagnosis, and fought for her family and the children she worked with at schools in Bloomingdale.
Pierri, 45, a school nurse in Bloomingdale District 13, died last week after a two-year battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Frank; and three children.

The Pierri family could not be reached for comment at their Bloomingdale home.

Pierri had worked for the School District for six years after initially being hired to work as an assistant in the district’s early childhood education program, said Fred Louderman, District 13 special education coordinator, who manages the district’s school nursing program.

“One thing I will always remember about Lucy is how much she cared about the children,” he said. “She had a special ability to nurture them, and loved being around children.

“She was very close to our hearts here, and will be missed.”

Pierri was an example of the kind of person who loved her job, and had a tremendous relationship with students and staff, Louderman said.

Craig Celia, a former Cub Scout Cubmaster of Pack 457 in Bloomingdale who worked with Pierri in the Scouts, said her dedication to the boys as a den mother was tremendous.

“To me, she will always be remembered as one of those special people you run into once in a lifetime,” Celia said. “Despite her condition, she never gave up hope and was always positive.”

Pierri always gave him a hard time about a 2005 camping trip with the Scouts when he was Cubmaster and was rained out of his tent.

“I am an Eagle Scout and her nickname for me was ‘The Big Baby,’ joking of course, for going home early and leaving the pack behind,” he said. “I will always remember that.”

Pierri was diagnosed with colon cancer in the spring of 2006. Last year, co-workers and friends formed the “Love for Lucy” Foundation, a group that held benefits to assist the Pierri family during Lucy’s illness.

In December, the group held a fundraiser and a party for Lucy’s 45th birthday. Hundreds of people attended; and thousands of dollars were raised during the event to benefit the family.

Pierri was grateful to have so many friends, who she called her “angels,” helping out the family.

“This incredible outpouring of love shows me God's presence working through all of my angels, and makes me believe that my miracle is on its way,” she said at the time.

Pierri, a huge Elvis Presley fan, was ecstatic to have had an Elvis impersonator sing for her at the party.

“I will always remember this day,” she said at the party.

Jodie Colucci, secretary of the foundation, admired Pierri’s will and courage during her illness, noting that the school nurse served as an inspiration to all who knew her.