Judith Irene Pierce
June 18, 1959 – March 31, 2025
Judith Irene Pierce was born on June 18, 1959, in Anchorage, Alaska, the third child and the second of twins to William and Lois Pierce. She often recounted the rare memory of her own birth, humorously recalling her twin brother Rick kicking her in the face as he was born first.
In 1971, the family moved to Molalla, Oregon, to grow holly for Christmas decorations. Judy attended Molalla public schools, where she thrived academically and personally. She loved riding her horse, Copper, and working on the family farm. After accepting an invitation to church from her friend Pam Robbins, Judy gave her heart to Jesus, beginning a lifelong relationship with God that would define her path forward.
Judy graduated high school in 1977 and went on to study horticulture at Oregon State University. She was active in Campus Action, a campus ministry connected to the Assembly of God Church. While living with fellow Campus Action members, she met the love of her life, Richard Landauer. Judy graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture in 1982 and married Richard in December 1983.
In January 1985, Judy and Richard moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Richard began a career in public education. Judy worked in local greenhouses and began formal voice training in operatic music. She became active in New Life Assembly of God, singing in the choir and engaging with the women’s ministry.
From 1988 to 1990, they lived in Moscow, Idaho, where Richard pursued his master’s degree. Judy worked in the university greenhouses and continued her voice studies at the University of Idaho. She performed the role of the Wicked Witch in Hansel and Gretel, and sang in the chorus of South Pacific. Returning to Idaho Falls in 1990, Judy resumed singing with the Idaho Falls Opera Theatre, where she eventually played the lead role of Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore and later became the theatre's costume mistress.
In May of 1996, Judy gave birth to their favorite son, Richard William Landauer. That same year, she launched a home greenhouse business called Judy’s Greenhouse. Judy sold plants and produce at the local farmers market, which she also managed for five years. She further expressed her musical talents as a member of 45 RPM, a touring rock-show group performing hits from the 1950s and 60s. For a decade, she delighted schoolchildren by performing as Little Red Riding Hood, continuing even during her pregnancy—a time that gave the role a unique flair.
Judy loved farm life. In 1996, the family moved to the countryside outside Shelley, Idaho, where she raised chickens and worked in her greenhouse. She was a dedicated retail associate for J.C. Penney and later a Garden Associate at Lowe’s, serving customers with her sharp eye for color and design. Known for her green thumb, Judy could coax nearly anything to grow. Her greenhouse was often filled with her beautiful soprano voice, especially in springtime, when she sang opera while transplanting seedlings.
God gifted Judy with a musical ear and a love for worship. She was a talented painter, seamstress, costume designer, and performer. Her favorite musical was The Pirates of Penzance, which she both performed in and supported behind the scenes.
Above all, Judy was a devoted wife and caring mother. Her presence will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Landauer, and their son, Richard William Landauer; her twin brother, Richard Pierce; and her stepbrother, Bill Pierce. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Lois Pierce, sister Debra Pierce, and stepbrothers Ray and Neil Pierce.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Flahiff Funeral Chapel in Caldwell. Interment will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery, also in Caldwell.
Judy’s life was filled with music, beauty, and faith. Her legacy will continue to bloom in every garden she touched and in every song she sang.
