Judith Ann Kiernan

1937 - 2015

11/19/1937 ~ 7/28/2015
Judith Ann Kiernan, Ph.D., R.N., was fabulous - FAB-U-LOUS! She was a critical thinker, a hoot, loud, hysterical, irritating, brilliant, and above all a loving character who rarely filtered what she said and always wore her heart on her sleeve. Born to Eunice Warner Kiernan and Vincent Owen Kiernan in South Weymouth, MA on November 19, 1937, Judy was always lively and social. A cheerleader at Hanover High School, she excelled academically, and graduated in 1955. In the fall of that year, she started nurses' training at Mass. Memorial hospital. After completing her 3 year nursing degree, Judy began to work at Mass General Hospital as a nurse while she completed her BA in Nursing from Boston University's College of Nursing. Never satisfied academically, Judy drove her little Spitfire from Massachusetts to Colorado to pursue her Masters of Science from the University of Colorado. After receiving her M.S., Judy joined the faculty at the University of Colorado in the College of Nursing.
Always eager to help others, in 1969 Judy contributed to the war effort by offering her specialized skills in nursing, teaching and administration. The US Agency for International Development hired Judy and sent her to Washington, D.C. for 6 months of training in Vietnamese culture and language at the Defense Language Institute before ultimately sending her to Vietnam. As Director of Nursing for hospitals in both Saigon and Can Tho, Judy spent 18 months training local Vietnamese nurses.
Returning from Vietnam, Judy was hired as the Director of Nursing at University Hospital in Boston where she worked until moving to Utah in 1974. Why Utah? Judy loved the great outdoors and this was the perfect place for the consummate skier and tennis player. Always highly competitive, Judy once challenged her three adult, but younger brothers to a tennis match; all three of them on one side against only Judy on the other. She won. And never let them forget it!
Judy later accepted a faculty position as Assistant Dean for Community Service and Faculty Practice at the University of Utah College of Nursing. In October of 1986, she accepted the University's offer to be Director of Nursing for Medical/Surgical and Rehabilitation at the Health Sciences Center. Relentless in her pursuit of education and knowledge, Judy then pursued her doctoral degree. She earned her PhD in Health Service Administration in 1992 from the University of Utah. Yes! She was now DOCTOR Judy Kiernan!
Dr. Kiernan was presented the 1995 Administration Award by the Utah Nursing Association, an award given annually to an individual who demonstrates excellence in nursing service administration, including skills in management, decision making and dedication to continually improving the nursing profession. That was definitely Judy! After many years of tireless effort as nursing director and faculty member, Dr. Kiernan retired in 1996 to pursue a leisurely life that allowed her to travel, garden, ski, read, see independent films, and play tennis. Ever the social creature, she was the ultimate hostess throwing extravagant parties with gourmet meals. She wasn't totally able to leave her profession, however; when asked to help, Dr. Kiernan gladly returned to nursing when she joined Community Nursing Services as a patient care coordinator and worked with them and Summit Home Health Care for a number of years.
Dr. Judy Kiernan was not only accomplished, she was exceptionally funny with a sharp wit. She loved people and animals and had a very strong emotional bond with her own cats, dogs, and birds. She was generous with her time, her expertise, her opinions and her heart. She had a compassionate spirit, strong voice, and stronger personality. She was an advocate for women and women's issues and always up on the latest political concerns. She had a thirst for knowledge and enjoyed a good debate. But ultimately Judy had love: love for others, love for animals, love for diversity and social justice, love for good food and travel, love for the right outfit and matching jewelry, and especially love for family.
Judy is survived by her brothers Thomas F. Kiernan, Hudson, FL; Vincent O. Kiernan, East Falmouth, MA; Steven L. Kiernan, Milton, MA and her sister, Susan Kiernan Farrell, Phoenix, AZ. She has 9 nephews and nieces who adore her and 8 great-nephews and great-nieces who will hear stories about their intelligent and wonderfully crazy Aunt JuJu for years to come. If you didn't know Judy Kiernan, you missed out.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 16th from 2:00-4:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Online condolences may be offered to her family at www.starksfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any pet facility. Judy would want to know that even in death she is making an impact and helping her animal friends.