Erika Tierney

TUSCALOOSA, ALA. - Erika Tierney, 77, departed this life Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Moundville Nursing Home in Moundville, Ala. Born Aug. 6, 1929, in Coburg, Germany, she was a Peninsula resident since 1962. Erika was the daughter of Bernard Feldwebel Mertel and Gunda Olruhan Mertel of Coburg, Germany. She grew up and attended the university in Bayreuth, Germany. She came to the United States in 1952 and resided in New Orleans, La., where she met Joseph Carroll Tierney. They were married Aug. 23, 1954. Mrs. Tierney's passions were her family and gardening. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph, and is survived by her son, Patrick Tierney of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; her daughter, Maureen Keithley and her husband, Kevin, of Menlo Park, Calif.; and five grandchildren. Mrs. Tierney retired as a well-respected Nutritionist Manager with the Newport News Public School System after 30 years of service. Erika was a Lutheran, yet a sincere supporter of her husband's Catholic faith. She attended the Regimental Chapel at Ft. Eustis and St. Jerome Catholic Church. She also was a supporter of the Maryknoll Fathers and Maryknoll Sisters missions. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, at Weymouth Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, July 5, at the Ft. Myer Chapel followed by interment in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY 10545, c/o Donation Services Office. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.