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SCHWARTZ-KIERNAN

Nancy SCHWARTZ-KIERNAN

SCHWARTZ-KIERNAN

Nancy SCHWARTZ-KIERNAN

1956 - 2017

BORN

1956

DIED

2017

Nancy SCHWARTZ-KIERNAN Obituary

SCHWARTZ-KIERNAN, Nancy Nancy Schwartz-Kiernan, age 61, passed away in Santa Rosa on December 7, 2017. She was born in Fresno in 1956, the daughter of Mervyn and Pauline Schwartz. Nancy was married to Dr. Garry Kiernan for 32 years. Nancy and Garry's love for each other was beyond what words can describe. They were devoted partners and best friends. Garry preceded her in death in 2012. Nancy's experience managing her husband's medical practice and as a frequent patient herself, coupled with her compassion for those in need, gave her unique skills as an effective patient advocate. Her tenacity and focus provided valuable assistance to many organ transplant patients. Having struggled with diabetes since early childhood, she required a kidney transplant that Garry willingly donated in 2002. Nancy was a talented artist. Her oil and acrylic paintings were featured in art shows and exhibits throughout Sonoma County. Her beloved Oakmont community was a central part of her daily life. She connected to her numerous friends and neighbors with gifts of homemade jams and muffins. She'd be seen walking daily, with her two adored Chihuahuas, Honey and Cookie. She will be remembered for her generosity, wit and her deep convictions. Nancy will be missed by her family, friends and close-knit circle at Oakmont. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donate an organ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Dec. 10 to Dec. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy SCHWARTZ-KIERNAN

17 Entries

pamela pecora hansen

December 4, 2025

Still remembered, thought of, missed...

Debbie and Jan meeting up in Half Moon Bay with their dogs. 2019 Hi Nancy

Jan Schwartz

December 4, 2019

Hello Nancy: Your loving twin sister Debbie and I will be meeting together on Dec. 10 to remember your passing on Dec. 7, 2017. We will be hiking with Wallydog and now a new friend, Early girl, Debbie's cute little girl dog. We remember you with love. Sister Jan.

Nancy's Daffodihls, planted in her memory a year ago, blooming now in Santa Cruz., From Sister Jan.

jan Schwartz

February 21, 2019

Jan Schwartz

November 1, 2018

Hello Nancy: I miss you every day. This is Jan, your little sister. Are you happy up in heaven? I see you in the rabbit figurines and dogs I meet and your happy way that you spoke with people. Look for daffodils on the hillsides, because a lot of those have been planted in your memory. Peace with be with you always. TieDyeJan....and Wallydog. Your sister Debbie are doing just fine.

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March 5, 2018

Honey Bun and Cookie are Nancy's dogs. They have a nice home on a ranch in Redding with Nancy's friends, Don and Patti. Nancy had a home configured for the ten years ago. For that, we are fortunate. I met the couple at her memorial. The dogs are doing great, they say. Sister Jan.

Kathie Lewis

March 3, 2018

I hate that I didn't know you were so recently ailing, Nancy. I loved having you and Garry as neighbors and health advocates for Dad, and I still miss our conversational and laughter-filled dog walks. I am happy that we were able to spend time together both in Genoa and in your neck of the woods after your move, and that you and your wonderful Garry are together again. I pray that Cookie and Honey are well cared for. Loads of love, kathie

Lisa Alonso

February 24, 2018

Dear Jan & Guest book; I had been trying to find someone that knew if there was going to be a memorial. I'm glad to see there was a Memorial but can't help but feel incredibly sad to read that it has already happened, as I really wanted to attend. Would love to hear more about the day if anyone wants to share. So sorry about this great loss of Nancy. Condolences to all who knew Nancy, she is and will be missed.

February 23, 2018

Nancy's memorial in Santa Rosa at Oakmont was wonderful. I was happy to meet Nancy's friends from Northern California and all around. Thank you to all friends/family who attended. Sister Jan. Santa Cruz, CA

Lu Davis

February 21, 2018

Much love to Nancy and Garry The most amazing people to know and work with. Together again❣

Lisa Alonso

December 27, 2017

Nancy, I was thinking of you fiercely these last few weeks. I found this amazing flannel shirt that I so wanted you to see if it past the "Nancy test" :) you were influential in my life the short little time I was able to be with you and get to know you through Helen. You will and are missed greatly.

Barbara, Nancy, and Jan.....7's.

Jan Schwartz

December 23, 2017

Dear Nancy: Thank you for the wonderful walks at Oakmont. Thank you for looking after Mom and Dad and being so in love with Garry. You have left an indelible mark on my life. Really missing you. And thank you for getting me art class in Sonoma with Shirley Davis alongside of Dad. Really missing you. Love, Your sister, Jan. Santa Cruz, CA. Remember the time we went and had cheesecake with mom at the French Restaurant, Ristorante Avanti? How about all of those apple pies you made at Thanksgiving in Fresno? Rest in Peace.......And thanks for all the heart valentine arts and crafts over the years. How about all those cute costumes you put on your dogs every year at Halloween.....? And birthday parties with Debbie at the zoo when we were little..?

Pamela Pecora-Hansen

December 15, 2017

Nancy,

Your passing will not diminish the impact you have had on people's lives. You are in my thoughts always...
Pam

Tracy Besel (Berryman)

December 12, 2017

You are now free of all that ailed you, and are with the family and friends that have gone before you. Although I didn't know you well, Uncle Mervyn was one of the greatest, most warm hearted men I'd ever known, and to know you came from him says it all.

Lizzy Renold

December 11, 2017

I will miss you dearly, Nancy. You had the greatest intellect, quickest wit, and biggest heart ever. As we said, friends for a lifetime. I hope you are home with your beautiful husband, Garry. Love you Nancy.

Gary O'Shaughnessy

December 10, 2017

I will miss you, Nancy. What a sad day when you passed away.

Nancy Swick

December 10, 2017

I'll miss Nancy. She had an inner strength that was amazing to behold and one that kept her going through many adversities. She was funny, playful and quirky- it was Impossible to keep a smile off your face when around her and impossible even now when thinking of her. She lived in the moment and cherished certain moments in ways I hope to always try to emulate. She is missed.

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