LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Mary Elizabeth Tierney


August 30, 1940 - March 21, 2021 Resident of Moraga

Mary Elizabeth Tierney, 80, passed away peacefully on March 21, only 39 days after the passing of her beloved husband, Dennis. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York to John and Violet Mahoney she was the second youngest of six. Mary and Dennis met at the local college bar when Dennis was a student at Marist College. Dennis' buddies bet him he couldn't get a date with Mary. It took a week for her to agree to a date and they went on to share over 56 years together. His career took them from New York, to Hawaii and they eventually settled in Moraga, California in 1976.

Mary had a zest for life, could make conversation with anyone and made friends easily. She had the energy of three people and always jumped in with two feet. While raising three kids, managing multiple rental properties and volunteering at her children's activities she was also active in the Newcomers Group, Moraga Tennis & Swim Club, the Moraga Garden Club, multiple bridge groups, the Niners at Moraga Country Club and their wine tasting group among other things. For years, if it was a Thursday everyone knew that Mary would be found with Mary Jane, Diane and Sue at MTSC playing tennis and bridge and shooing children out of the clubhouse. We kids new better than to interrupt "Holy Thursdays"!

Mary and Dennis traveled the world together including multiple trips to Mary's favorite city, Paris, France. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico held a special place in their hearts and they visited annually for over 25 years. They also loved Tahoe and had many happy and cherished times with their children, grandchildren and friends at their cabin in Northstar, on the mountain skiing and at Sand Harbor Beach.

Above all, Mary treasured her family and friends. She loved being a mom and especially a grandma building special relationships with each of her grandchildren. At family gatherings she was often found sitting at the kids' table chatting with her grandkids and keeping up with each of their interests and activities.

Mary will be terribly missed by her three children, Darren, Deborah (and her husband, Paul) and Renee (and her husband, Lee). Her eight grandchildren Logan, Katie, Matt, Jack, Emily, Michael, Anna and Luke and great-granddaughter Peyton-Marie will miss all her hugs and infectious enthusiasm. She is also survived by her brother Donald (Carol), her sisters-in-law Elizabeth, Patricia and Eileen, many nieces and nephews, and extended family Nancy Lawrie Stuckey (her husband Chris and their children Brittany and Bobby) and Scott Lawrie (his wife Dana and his daughter Peyton Juliana) and many dear friends. She is predeceased by her parents John and Violet Mahoney, her sister Dorothy, and brothers Jack, Harold and Robert.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mary's memory to the Bruns House (www.hospiceeastbay.org) who took wonderful care of Dennis or to the Moraga Garden Club.