Dominican Sister of Peace Eleanor (Richard Therese) Tierney (85), died on February 21, 2020, at the Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, KY.
Born an only child to Florence Buckley and Richard Tierney of Providence, RI, Sr. Eleanor learned to have a loving and accepting heart by embracing her step brother James, with whom she had a close relationship.
She graduated from the Rosary Academy in Watertown before entering the Congregation in 1952. She celebrated 65 years of religious life in 2019.
True to her Dominican charism, Sr. Eleanor had a great love of study. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology from Regis College, her Master of Arts in History from Boston College, her Master of Education in Counseling and Student Personnel from the University of Louisville, and her Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University.
Her first ministry was as a teacher, choir director and bursar for St. Michael School in Lowell, MA. She returned to Kentucky in 1966, serving at St. Catharine Academy as a Teacher and Dorm Prefect, as Dean of Student Affairs and Instructor at St. Catharine College, and as her Congregation’s Regional Coordinator in Louisville, KY.
Sr. Eleanor ministered as a family counselor at the Flaget Spirituality Center in Louisville, KY, for more than 20 years before a minor stroke moved her into retirement at the St. Catharine Motherhouse. She was a true example of the “ministry of presence,” sharing her sense of humor and personality with residents, guests and Sisters alike.
In her address at Sr. Eleanor’s funeral mass, Sr. Catherine Mahady, OP, spoke of her generous heart, which led Sr. Eleanor to take on new ministries in community life, such as mentoring several Vietnamese Sisters and serving as Southern Regional Coordinator.
Sr. Eleanor’s greatest joys were her family; her work as a Pastoral Counselor, and Marriage and Family therapist; and, in her personal life, developing a deep personal relationship with God.
Sr. Eleanor is survived by her step-brother, James Barden, his wife Marian and several nieces and nephews.
A Vigil of Remembrance was held on February 27 at Sansbury Care Center Chapel in St. Catharine, KY. The Funeral Mass was held on February 28 at the Sansbury Care Center Chapel, followed by burial at the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.
Memorial gifts in Sr. Eleanor’s memory may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219-2098.
To donate in Sr. Eleanor’s memory, please click here.
To view or download a printable copy of Sister Eleanor’s memorial, please click here.