In Loving Memory of Mennen Zeelika Pieters

October 29, 1935 – December 13, 2025

Mennen Zeelika Pieters, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 90 in Port Charlotte, Florida. She was born on October 29, 1935, in Guyana, South America, to Johanna Letitia Gordon and Thomas Woodland Trim.

Mennen’s childhood in Essequibo, Guyana, was filled with joyful moments and meaningful connections. She cherished her friendship with Gloria Anthony (née Webb) and was an active member of both the Girls Union Society and the Mother’s Union of Essequibo. Her love for the arts was sparked early on when her headmaster, Eric Fields, introduced her to opera in the third grade—a passion that stayed with her throughout her life.

Known for her vivacious spirit, young Mennen enjoyed dressing up in her mother’s high-heeled shoes, running and playing rounders at the YWCA, and expressing her creativity through sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. She had a generous heart, often helping the poor, and possessed a curious mind, delighting in great works of literature and in hosting tea parties. Her remarkable skill in mental math was admired by all who knew her.

Mennen was part of a close-knit family, growing up alongside her four sisters: Lorraine Delany, Lucille Codogan, Veronica “Olive” Henry, and Nancy Cummings. She was married twice: first to Eustace Adolphus Pierre in Anna Regina, Essequibo, Guyana, and later to David Adolphus Pieters on Staten Island, New York. She was widowed and continued to honor the memories of her loved ones.

A trailblazer, Mennen was the only scholarship winner of her graduating class from Henrietta Village to attend high school in the 1940s. She attended Tutorial High School in Georgetown, Guyana, and later Richmond College in Staten Island, NY. Her professional life was distinguished by her role as a Government Securities Specialist at Merrill Lynch and Company, where she was respected for her expertise and dedication.

Throughout her life, Mennen made homes in Harlem, Staten Island and Uniondale, New York and finally, Port Charlotte, FL. In each community, she left an indelible mark through her kindness, generosity, and involvement.

Mennen’s interests were as rich and varied as her life. She loved singing, exploring museums, cooking and baking, reading, sewing, gardening, traveling the world and was committed to volunteering, particularly with the United Way. Her legacy is one of creativity, service, and warmth.

Mennen’s memory will be cherished by her sister, Nancy Cummings; her children and their spouses: Brian Pierre, Christopher Pierre, Andrew Pierre, Leslie Zeelika Pieters-Klatsky, and James Klatsky. She is also survived by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Letitia Zeelika Pierre, Brian Pierre, Samantha Pierre, Claudine Chambers, Michael Klatsky, and Elisheva Klatsky. Her great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren include Kai Pierre, Samuel Klatsky, Madeline Klatsky, Emilia Klatsky, Mia Muschel, and Michaela Muschel. Mennen leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews, all of whom were touched by her love and wisdom.

A funeral service in honor of Mennen Zeelika Pieters will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the Life Celebration Center of Punta Gorda, located at 1515 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. A reception to celebrate her remarkable life will be held at a later date.

Mennen’s legacy of compassion, creativity, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.