Mary Ann (Sheeley) Tierney, 87

Mary Ann Tierney, 87, of Fernan Village, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away at home Oct. 5, 2017, surrounded by her family. Mary Ann faced death, as she did life, courageously.

Mary Ann was born Sept. 17, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wis., to William James and Mary Vincent (Farley) Sheeley. Mary Ann married Barry Tierney at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Milwaukee on Sept. 17, 1949. They moved out West starting their life together in Philipsburg, Mont., where Barry taught school for several years and then went to work for the Trout Mining Company. The family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where Barry was employed by the Bunker Hill Company for many years. They moved to Fernan Village in 1985. Mary Ann and Barry recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary and Mary Ann’s 87th birthday.

Mary Ann loved Fernan Village. She served one term as mayor and was on the City Council for many years working tirelessly to maintain and improve the Village of Fernan. Through the organization of events such as the summer picnic and Christmas Tree Celebration, she helped families become acquainted and take pride in their community. Mary Ann knew how to get things done which garnered her love and respect among the citizens. She always had time for any Fernan kid who wanted to visit and have an ice cream treat on her patio. This year in August, the community showed their appreciation to “The Queen of Fernan” at their annual summer picnic.

Mary Ann had an insatiable spirit for life. An avid Gonzaga basketball fan, exquisite chef and sharp bridge player, Mary Ann was always full of energy and fun. She was the star of every social event, delighting those around her with her quick wit and bright spirit. She dearly loved her friends and family. Mary Ann was gracious, kind and caring, and had a style of her own that will be dearly missed and impossible to replicate.

Mary Ann is survived by Barry, her devoted husband of 68 years; children Kerry (Peggy) of Walla Walla, Wash., Kathleen Chaffee (Joe) of Surprise, Ariz., Tom (Mary) of Richland, Wash., and Eileen Ayersman (Mike) of Spokane, Wash.; her three brothers, Tom (Dorothy), Bill (Sue) and John (Kathy), all residing in Milwaukee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Ann was a champion, confidant and inspiration to her 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. They always knew of her love and were thrilled never to have your “typical” grandma. She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene. A reception and gathering of family and friends will be held at The Coeur d’Alene Resort following services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of North Idaho or St. Vincent de Paul.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Mary Ann’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.