Rev. Bridget Katherine Tierney

Bridget Katherine Tierney peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family. She lived her life answering poet Mary Oliver's enduring question… "What will you do with your one wild and precious life? by living fully, thoughtfully, and generously." She loved poetry and believed deeply in reflection, meaning, and presence, qualities that shaped the way she loved others and understood the world.

Born on December 31, 1948, in Batavia, Illinois, Bridget was the daughter of the late Clifford and the late Dorothy Tierney. From an early age, her faith was central to her life. As a child, she famously substituted Necco wafers for communion, a small but telling sign of how seriously, and creatively, she took matters of the spirit. She leaned deeply into Ignatian spirituality, and in 2003, she was welcomed into the Episcopal faith as a priest. A place where she found a tradition that fully embraced her intellect, reverence, compassion, and call to serve.

Bridget was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Merwin Stroup, and her grandson, Garrett Velasquez. She is survived by her brother, Larry Tierney (Mary Alyce); her sister, Sheila Stroup; her children, Jeff Johnson (Sarah), Jenny Velasquez (Bobby), and Greg Johnson (Kate Ionna); and her beloved grandchildren, Kirsten, Reagan (Brandon), Rachel, Andrew (Brianna), Reilly, Eamon, and Matias. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Adelaide, Rowan, and Cecilly, who brought her immense joy.

A woman of conviction and simplicity, Bridget was a firm believer in the Lenten tradition of restraint. In that spirit, and with a characteristic touch of humor, the family strongly encourages charitable donations to the Episcopal Relief & Development Fund in lieu of memorial flowers, noting that no one in the family can keep flowers or plants alive anyway.

Bridget will be lifted up during a 10:00 a.m. service at Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans, LA, on Saturday, February 28. Her remains will be interred immediately following the service in the cathedral's columbarium, and a reception will be held at the cathedral thereafter.

Bridget's life was marked by faith, curiosity, love, and laughter. She leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful living, faithful service, and a gentle reminder to cherish and respond fully to our own wild and precious lives.