Gloria R. Tiernan

ARLINGTON - Gloria R. Tiernan, 80, of Arlington died peacefully of congenital heart failure with her family surrounding her December 19 at Virginia Hospital Center-Arlington.
Born in Georgetown, "Glo,' as most people knew her, graduated from Western High School and the Washington School for Secretaries. She married the love of her life, Edward Pratt Tiernan, in 1952. Together they raised three sons, Tom, Jim and Mike, in Arlington Forest. During those years Glo was very active in the parent organizations and activities of her children, especially Jim, her "special" son. Following Ed's retirement, the couple volunteered with a number of area organizations including Meals on Wheels and Arlington Senior Center, as well as the numerous organizations that contributed to Jim's quality of life including Arlington Community Residences (ACRI). The births of each of her four grandchildren, starting in 1983, brought huge joy. Gloria's happiest pastime in the last years of her life was sharing the stories of her grandchildren as they grew from childhood into adulthood.
Gloria was preceded in death by her loving mother, Louise M. Boteler. Her husband of 46 years, Ed, sadly predeceased her.
She is survived by her sons, Thomas Edward Tiernan and wife, Bonnie, of Olney, Md., James Curtis Tiernan of Arlington, and Michael Joseph Tiernan and wife, Ann, of Williamsburg, as well as her grandchildren, Scott of Atlanta, Ga., Shawn of Olney, Md., Lori, currently of New York City, and Bethany of Olney. She also leaves her cousin and best friend, Norma Saul of Falls Church, to cherish the memory of their lifelong relationship.
Friends may call at the Murphy Funeral Home of Arlington, 4510 Wilson Blvd., on Monday, Dec. 22, from noon until time of funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Interment Columbia Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Community Residences, Inc., c/o Glebe Road Residence, 14160 Newbrook Drive, 1st Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.