Suzanne Evelyn (Stanley) Tierney

Suzanne Evelyn (Stanley) Tierney, 89, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully at Gadsden Glen in Charleston on September 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph J. Tierney Sr., her parents, Edward I. Stanley and Evelyn Ahearn Stanley; her twin brothers Ned and Dick Stanley; her sister Patty Ellis; and her daughter-in-law Christina Girault Tierney.

She is survived by her youngest brother Michael Stanley, and her children: Paul (Margaret), Michael (Christina), Peter (Jeanne), Sheila (Aaron), Anne (Ken), Kate (Kara), Kevin (Amy) and Joe Jr (Lauren); her nineteen grandchildren: Mark, Mia, Luke, Hannah, Rory, Lauren (Ian), Erin (Jean), Abby, Ashlynn (Joe), David, Connor, Nolan, Will, Joe, Sarah, Suzanne, Edward, Jack and Henry, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Suzanne was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by faith, family, adventure, and fierce determination. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she met life’s challenges with strength, humor, and an abiding faith. She is now at peace.

Suzanne grew up on Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey, the third child and oldest daughter of five siblings. She became a competitive swimmer and later attended St. Elizabeth’s Academy in Morristown, NJ, and New Rochelle College in New York, becoming a first-generation college graduate. Her years away from home strengthened both her independence and her Catholic faith. It was also at New Rochelle that she met Joseph J. Tierney.

Suzanne and Joseph married in 1959, beginning a remarkable family adventure. Together they raised eight children in ten years while moving several times as Joseph’s career developed. Suzanne embraced motherhood as a vocation, navigating new cities, schools, houses, and growing children with courage and determination. Her philosophy was captured perfectly one evening when Joseph, home from another long week of traveling, complained about how hard he had to work. Gesturing toward the kitchen and the meal before them, Suzanne calmly replied, “Buddy, this office never closes.” The saying became legendary in the Tierney family and was eventually memorialized on a plaque made by their son Michael (Toon), displayed in every kitchen that followed.

Suzanne’s determination was balanced by a sharp wit, a love of language, and a wonderful sense of humor. She had a deeply loving and compassionate heart, and also our respect. Her faith shaped the way she lived, loved, and forgave, and she stood by her family through difficult times with understanding and grace.

After years of moves and new beginnings, Suzanne and Joseph eventually found a lasting home in Charleston, where they spent the later years of their marriage. They were faithful parishioners of Church of the Nativity on James Island, S.C. They shared 64 years together until Joseph’s death in December 2023. Their greatest legacy is the family they created: eight children and nineteen grandchildren. Suzanne took enormous joy in watching them grow and build lives of their own across the United States and abroad. Her faith, humor, determination, and love are woven into each of them.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as Mom and Nan.

In lieu of flowers/cards, if you feel so inclined, make a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in memory of Suzanne S. Tierney here.