Mrs. Jean C. Tierney

January 10, 1929 - December 26, 2020

Mrs. Jean C. Tierney, 91, formerly of Unkamet Drive, Pittsfield, MA passed away on December 26, 2020. Born in Pittsfield on January 10, 1929 she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ora Carmel. She attended Pittsfield Schools and was a 1945 graduate of Pittsfield High School at just 16 years old. Too young to go away to college, she worked for her father at Rice’s Silk Mill before attending and graduating from Becker College in Worcester, MA. Upon returning to Pittsfield, Jean was employed as a Customer Service Representative at New England Telephone Co. until starting her family. Jean married the love of her life, the late Robert (Bob) Tierney on December 27,1952. Jean’s pride and joy and greatest life work was raising her five children. She was a devoted Catholic and dedicated parishioner of St. Mark’s Parish for many decades. As Jean’s family grew, she dedicated many years to teaching CCD classes at St. Mark’s Parish. To this day, many of her former students comment on how she made a positive impact in their life. Over the years, Jean and Bob delighted in hosting large Christmas Eve parties and 4th of July picnics for all of the Tierney and Carmel families to enjoy. Once Bob retired, he and Jean reveled in their many trips to Maine and early morning walks along the shores of Onota Lake whether it be alone, with friends, or with several grandchildren tagging along. Jean cherished her Sunday afternoons when her entire family would gather at her house. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and saying the Rosary daily. However, being “Grammy” to her 13 grandchildren was the role that brought her the greatest joy. Mrs. Tierney is survived by her loving children, Robert Tierney Jr. and his wife Jody, Shaun Tierney and his wife Mary, Timothy Tierney and his wife Christine, her daughter Elizabeth Shepard and her husband Thomas, and her youngest son Daniel Tierney. She is fondly remembered by her grandchildren and their significant others: Jennifer Tierney (Dennis), Robert Tierney III (Yodith), Abby Powers (Bryan), Colin Tierney (Mary), Meagan Gemborys (Brian), Jessica Austin (Tim), Brian Tierney (Heather), Timothy Tierney (Cheryl), Joshua Tierney (Lauren), Jamie Tierney (Pete), Andrew Shepard (Jennie), Julie Barbour (Jake), and Emily Cooper (Mitch). She leaves behind 18 great grandchildren: Quinn, Robert IV, Wynn, Parker, Henry, Hazel, Cecily, Eloise, Weston, Lila, Alice, Caleb, Liliana, Charlie, Clark, Robert, Jack, and Lucy. She is also survived by her brother Clifford Carmel and his wife Jane, her brother-in-law Shaun Tierney and his wife Carol, her sisters-in-law Fran Tierney and Sybil Tierney as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her beloved husband, Jean was predeceased by her sisters Frances and her husband John Harte, Mildred and her husband Ed Wuinne, Ruth Carmel, and her brothers Norman, Edward, and Robert Carmel, her brothers-in-law Edward and Peter Tierney, as well as her brother-in-law Richard Tierney and his wife Nancy. The family would like to extend their sincerest thank you to the staff at Berkshire Place for the kind and loving care they so graciously gave to Jean. A special thank you to Pat Meader for being Jean’s angel on Earth. Pat always made Jean laugh and feel loved especially during the pandemic when her children could not see her in person. Funeral Notice: A private entombment will be held for Mrs. Jean C. Tierney. A public Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at a later date, when Covid restrictions are lifted and all are able to safely gather together. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Berkshire Place in care of Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, in her memory. Donations CANNOT be made online, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.