Obituaries
Mary Ellen Kiernan, 78
September 26, 2019
On September 26, 2019 Mary Ellen Kiernan departed this world with her family at her side at her Lancaster residence. She was born February 20, 1941 in Boston, MA to Helen (Nolan) and Dominic Tomei. She truly enjoyed her 78 years of life, living every moment to the fullest.
She attended Boston College, where she met the love of her life, Bob. After graduating Magna Cum Laude, she began a career teaching. Marrying Bob in 1962, they enjoyed 54 years of marriage until his death in 2016.
She was predeceased by her daughter Helen and grandson Dominic. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Maryellen Frank & Lisa George, their husbands, Andy & Ron, her grandchildren, Emma, Charlotte, Robert, Matthew (Margeaux), Elizabeth, Peter, Eleanor, and Theresa, and great-grandson Sawyer.
A wonderful and unique mother, she was a spectacular grandmother, a role which she relished. “Hunny’s House” was always full of joy. She was an important part of all of their lives. Her extravagant holiday decorations were legendary and welcomed family and friends to celebrate to the fullest.
She had a magical green thumb, coaxing forth an abundance of flowers in any garden and was an outstanding cook, the ultimate hostess.
She is also survived by a loving extended family, including many good friends who stayed in touch and by her side in this last difficult year of life.
Besides her family, Mary Ellen was very proud of her career with the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster. She and Bob moved to Lancaster in 1974, she by his side raising their children, and eventually joined him, working with the Boys & Girls Club as COO for 37 years. With the goal of giving youth the tools and means to become successful adults, she served as Executive Director from 2006 until 2008, a role in which she was very successful and proud of.
Mary Ellen was a loving, intelligent, vivacious person, but above all she was kind and generous to all. She asked that part of her legacy, is just to be kind to each other.
Her passing leaves a void in many peoples’ lives, including her family, friends and the community. She will be dearly missed by all.
A Funeral Mass will take place 11 AM Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603, with The Rev. Michael Metzgar as Celebrant. Visitations will be Tuesday from 6-8 PM, with the Holy Rosary prayed at 7:30 PM, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, and again on Wednesday form 10-11 AM at the church. Interment in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, P.O. Box 104, Lancaster, PA 17608.
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Condolences to the Family
October 03, 2019
Dearest Maryellen and Lisa
One of the best things my son Andy did was marry into the Kiernan family.
Andy found a wonderful wife and we added another daughter to our family.
It also allowed Sandy and I to meet Bob & Mary Ellen. We met the first time
in a NY Hotel at a meet the in laws brunch. We hit it off right from the start.
Your Mom was a very special lady. Always upbeat, always with a smile and
every time we met she would always welcome us with open arms.From what
I hear she still kept her positive attitude despite her failing health.Maryellen and
Lisa cherish all your memories and remember that although Mom is gone she
still will always live in your hearts
I would like to add this poem which is so appropriate
God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So he put his arms around you
And whispered “Come to Me”
With tearful eyes we watched you
And saw you pass away
Although we loved you dearly
WE could not make you stay
A Golden Heart stopped beating
Hard working hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST
I wish I could be there ,if only to hold your hands and give you both
a big hug
With my deepest sympathy and love to both of you and your families
DAD
October 03, 2019
Mary Ellen was my neighor in Landisville, along with Bob and Willie for a short time…she remains in my heart! My condolences to your family. Sending prayers and hugs. Remember the memories you made with her are always just a thought away!
Barb Miller
September 29, 2019
I was saddened to read this obituary this morning. Mary Ellen played an important role when I was a young single mom who had just moved to Lancaster. I worked at the Boys Club with her husband and soon became a huge fan of Mary Ellen and her wonderful daughters. Her enthusiasm and kindness had no boundries. I have lovely memories of sitting together with a cup of tea and a slice or two of her amazing Irish Soda bread. Please accept my sincere condolances.
Sharon (Riley) Christian
September 29, 2019
May Mary Ellen Rest in Peace, she was a wonderful professional and woman who lived life to the fullest! Rest Well Mary Ellen!
Mel Campos
September 29, 2019
There is an everlasting special place in my heart for my dear friend, Mary Ellen. From our love of the Boys and Girls children to our regular fun get-togethers, I shall miss. She is with me. Please take comfort in the fact, you were her shining stars.
My sincere condolences,
Linda Morris
- Visitation
- Tuesday, October 01, 2019
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Wednesday, October 02, 2019
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
- 558 W. Walnut Street
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Wednesday, October 02, 2019
- 11:00 AM
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
- 558 W. Walnut Street
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
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