Kathleen Theresa Kiernan

Kiernan, Kathleen Theresa CONGERS, N.Y. Kathleen Theresa Kiernan (formerly Newman, Maffeo), of Congers, passed into God's hands on Friday, July 11, 2008, after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. Born in Santa Monica, Calif. on June 21, 1948, Kathleen was a daughter of the late Alice Packard Kiernan and Edward J. Kiernan. Raised in Albany, N.Y., she was a 1965 graduate of Mercy High School. Kathleen was the original owner of B&K Jewelers in Valley Cottage. In addition, she worked in the fine jewelry department of Macy's in Nanuet. A longtime employee of the County of Rockland's Personnel Department and town of Clarkson Assessor's Office, Kathleen also worked part time for the Valley Cottage medical offices of Dr. Richard W. King and Dr. Domenic A. Monaco. She was a member of St. Paul's Church in Congers. Soft-spoken and gentle, she also had a playful sense of humor. She adored playing with her grandchildren and her beautiful smile was a gift to whomever it landed on. Kathleen is survived by four children, Bryan Newman and daughter-in-law, Joyce Newman of Suffern, Marc Newman of Nyack, Scott Maffeo of Congers and Christina Maffeo, also of Congers; two grandchildren, Holly and Tanner Newman of Suffern, also survive her. Also surviving are sisters and brothers, Carol and brother-in-law Anton Klecar of New City, Karen Muller of Belle Mead, N.J., John O'Brien of Ft. Washington, N.Y., Tim O'Brien and sister-in-law Robin of West Haverstraw, Kevin Kiernan and sister-in-law Melissa of Waldwick, N.J., Keith Kiernan and sister-in-law Mandy of Lancaster, Mass. and Edward Kiernan Jr. and sister-in-law Nancy of Stuyvesant, N.Y. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Paul and Gina, Kristin, Anton Jr., Sally, Katie, Grace, Zachary, Emma and Carly. She was great aunt to Antonia and John. She is predeceased by her nephew, John J. Muller. Arrangements are being handled by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, 113 Lake Road, East Congers, NY 10920; (845) 634-6110. Family will receive friends Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Church in Congers. Burial will follow in Gethsemane R.C. Cemetery, Rockland Lake, N.Y.