Marcia Kiernan

Marcia Ann Kiernan, née Kroll, aged 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, and returned to our Eternal home, on August 14, 2024, in Gulf Breeze, FL.
Born in Dunkirk, NY, she is survived by her husband of almost 63 years, Gerard Thomas Kiernan, originally of Staten Island, New York; son Gerard Thomas Kiernan Jr; living in Gulf Breeze, Florida; daughter Susan Marie (Ralph) Vecchio living in Manasquan, New Jersey, and brother John Kroll (Sandra) living in Naples, Florida.
And two fabulous grandchildren, Paul Vecchio (Jen) of Philadelphia, PA and Jayne Vecchio of Raleigh, NC.

Marcia was preceded in death by her wonderful parents, Jane and Fred Kroll of Dunkirk, New York; and her beautiful older sisters, Mary Jane (Ollinger), and Patricia (Lynch).

Marcia graduated at 16 from Cardinal Mindszenty high school in 1956. She then took the train to South Bend, Indiana, where she graduated from Saint Mary’s College next door to Notre Dame in 1960. As a newly minted registered nurse, she moved to Atlanta Georgia to begin her career with the VA hospital, and met (at a Knights of Columbus function) Gerard Kiernan. They married in 1961 at Christ the King Cathedral in Atlanta. After giving birth to her two children at Piedmont Hospital there, she and her growing family moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania in 1966, beginning many wonderful lifelong friendships with neighbors from Greenhill Terrace.

Progressive New Year’s Eve gatherings, and a famous football pool were just a few of the many enjoyable neighborhood activities.
In fact, the Kiernan trophy lives on to this day, a much sought after prize by the more than 50 participants in the (not very) high stakes speculative endeavor.

Marcia also continued her career as the assistant head of nursing education at Chester County Hospital, while obtaining her masters degree at Widener University in Nursing Education. She and Gerard also became small business owners with Joell card and gift in Pottstown PA, the seasonal Animal Zoo in Exton Square Mall, and Newtown card and gift in Newtown Square PA.

Marcia Kiernan, MSN, decided to return to the VA system, and accepted a nursing education position at the VA hospital in Coatesville PA. She was selected as a national representative for NOVA, the nurses of the VA.

A promotion brought her south to the New Orleans VA hospital, as Chief of Nursing Education in 1988. Residing in Slidell, Louisiana she and Gerard enjoyed cajun food, the French quarter, canal living in Eden Isles, making many new friends, and enjoying New Orleans culture - a city they had honeymooned in.

Upon retirement they relocated to Pensacola Beach, a glorious location made even better by fabulous neighbors, and enjoyed beach living until Hurricane Ivan had its say.

Marcia and Gerard traveled constantly, starting as newlyweds driving from Holiday Inns to Jack tar resorts, and then in the 70s enjoying 3 day cruises out of Miami, and eventually graduated to 40 day cruises on the Rhine and Danube, as well as Mediterranean and South Pacific cruises. Experiencing so many cultures and lifestyles around the world, realizing we are all children of God and brothers.

A very special thank you to the Baptist Live Oak medical team and Mary Ellen Neal, and the Vitas Hospice team, especially Shannon, and many other health care professionals, your kindness and care is greatly appreciated.

As a Eucharistic minister, she shared this beautiful sacrament with many local faithful Catholics, and found it to be incredibly rewarding. Another special thank you to the clergy and staff at Saint Ann’s Gulf Breeze, specifically Monsignor Hunt, Father John, Kathy, Matt and Patrick, who provided the family with comfort and faith, and spiritually guided Marcia with tremendous sacramental healing.

A strong Polish Catholic upbringing, and a faithful dedication to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina, illuminated her faith and guided her to the love and forgiveness of Jesus, on a daily basis.

A  private memorial mass was held Friday, August 16, 2024 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze, FL.  On Thursday, September 26, 2024, a ceremony was held at St. Peters Cemetery in Staten Island, New York and Marcia was buried in the family plot of Thomas and Helen Kiernan.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to your local food pantry and or homeless shelter. “Live simply, so others may simply live”. Her message to any smoker is please stop, and donate money saved to those less fortunate.

May the peace that only comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you always