Jean Mildred Tierney

Jean M. Tierney (Eick), 88, peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, December 21, 2023.  She was the second of ten children born to Clarence and Mildred (Landwehr) Eick, on June 18, 1935, in Seymour, WI.  Following graduation from Seymour High, Jean married the love of her life, Jim Tierney on November 20, 1954, and they enjoyed 41 years together before his passing on Dec. 18, 1995.

Jean was a very active person, raising 4 children, while working part-time at a variety of jobs and volunteering. In 1985 she joined Community First CU full-time and retired 26 years later at the age of 76. She volunteered for 30+ years with her sisters, daughters and granddaughters each year at the Community First Fox Cities Marathon, Jean’s commitment, can-do attitude and kind, welcoming spirit left an indelible mark on the many lives she touched.

She enjoyed tent camping trips, traveling, and especially playing card and board games with neighbors, family and friends. She loved listening to Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, creating gorgeous Christmas trees, and was renowned for her cranberry fluff.   Remarkably independent, you could find her on her prized John Deere, wearing a wide brimmed hat, mowing her substantial lawn until just last year.  Jean was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she served as an Usher for many years.  She embraced life with a profound love for reading, which was her true passion.  She started visiting the Menasha Public Library when she and Jim moved to Appleton in 1957, and had her well used library card for more than 65 years, averaging 6-8 books each week. 

She is survived by her daughters: Catherine Tierney, Susan Tierney Brunner (Bill), Laurie Tierney and her son Scott Tierney.  Grandchildren: Eric Brunner (Laura), Ashley Willetts (Jon), Lacy Anderson (Robert) and Lexi Tierney.  Great Grands: Hailey & Ryan Brunner, and Adalyn Anderson.  Her sisters: Shirley Kielar Melotte (Ken), Marilyn Gonnering, Patti LeTourneau (John) and brother Steven Eick (Nancy), sisters-in-law; Janice, Pat and Jean Eick, Judy Tierney, brother-in-law: Jerry Tierney (Jeanne) and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Jim; parents Clarence and Mildred Eick, her in-laws, Edward and Dorothy Tierney.  Brothers: Roger, James, Kenneth and Thomas Eick; sister Deborah (Steve Helms) Eick Helms, her grandson Ryan Brunner, son-in-law Maury Dresang and brother-in laws: Frank Kielar and Tom Gonnering.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Steven Knaus, and Debra Cupit, caregiver and friend, for their care and kindness, as well as Linda Lemke for always keeping Jean’s hair looking so great.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and faith. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to share in her love and her life.

A mass of the resurrection and celebration of Jean’s life will be heldat 11AM, on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 222 E. Fremont St. Appleton, WI. The visitation will be on Friday at the church from 9AM until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Jean, please consider a gift in her name to the Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1^st Street, Menasha, WI  54952.