Catherine Bridget Tierney

Pawtucket - Catherine Bridget (McKiernan) Tierney, age 104, and beloved mother of seven children, passed away on September 6, 2021, surrounded by family at her son’s home in Little Compton, R.I. She was the daughter of the late Patrick and Bridget (Flynn) McKiernan and was recognized as the oldest living graduate of Blessed Sacrament School. She graduated from Central High School and worked at the U.S. Rubber Company before her marriage. She was the wife of the late John Lester Tierney and resided in Pawtucket since 1948. After her husband’s passing in 1984, she was the companion of the late Gene Trudeau. She also worked at the Agawam Hunt Club, Fram Corporation, etc., and as a Clerk on the Pawtucket Library Bookmobile, where she made many lasting friends and was recognized for her dedication to patrons. Her proudest accomplishment was witnessing her six sons, as well as nine grandchildren, all complete college. Cathy was a devoted member of St. Teresa’s Church, since 1948, where she was active in many parish programs, and led a major fundraising drive while serving as the President of St. Teresa’s School Mother’s Club in 1962. These funds enabled the construction of the second floor of the school to begin four months later. Cathy was the mother of the late John, Jr., (Ed. D.), Dennis, and Maureen Tierney, who passed in 1962. She leaves her sons: Paul (Dee) of North Kingstown, Timothy (Eileen) of Green Hill Beach, Richard (Jane) of Pawtucket, and Attorney Terence (Jane) of Little Compton, and her daughter-in-law, Patricia Tierney of Green Hill Beach. She was very proud of all her grandchildren: Attorney Scott, Paul, Jr., Tara, Kevin, Timmy, Patrick, Molly, Kate, and Brennan, and her great-grandchildren: Ryan, Colin, Aidan, Owen, and Keegan. She served as a surrogate Mother/Nana to many, especially the Newman clan. She was predeceased by her siblings: Thomas McKiernan, May Connor, Hugh McKiernan, Terence McKiernan, and Helen Gordon. Cathy’s lively spirit was best epitomized by her arrival on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle for her 90th birthday party. She was a great cook, and her famous apple pie recipe was featured in The Providence Journal’s Food Section. She was also awarded the “Key to the City of Pawtucket.” Christmas was always a special time for her, and many will remember her playing the role of “Mrs. Claus.” Cathy and her husband Lester knew the meaning of hard work and by example instilled its value in their descendants. She saw the good in people and always looked at the bright side of life! Visiting hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 10 a.m. in St. Teresa’s Church, 358 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, interment will follow at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to William W. Tripp Funeral Home, Pawtucket. TRIPPFUNERALHOME.com

Catherine Bridget Tierney

June 29, 1917 - September 6, 2021