Jane Elizabeth Kiernan (née Rafferty), age 89, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 7, 2019. Jane was born on December 14, 1929 in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. On September 30, 1950 she married the love of her life, Cornelius “Sonny” Kiernan, and later moved to Riverdale in the Bronx where she raised their three children and resided for nearly 70 years. A devout Catholic and devoted parishioner of St. Gabriel’s Church, she frequently volunteered in the neighborhood at St. Gabriel’s Rectory and then at Frances Schervier nursing home. Throughout her life, Jane was a selfless caregiver who took in those in need, comforted those who suffered, and lead by example through her enduring strength, compassion and sense of humor. She will lovingly be remembered by all who knew her.

Jane is survived by her brother Henry (Pat) Rafferty, three children Donna (Joe), Kevin (Susie), and Neil (Charlene), her grandchildren Kristen (Jon), Keri (Todd), Tara (Brian), Neil, and Christie, and great-grandchildren JJ, Josh, Olivia, Stella, Kelly and Brian. She was preceded in death by her husband Cornelius Kiernan, parents William and Jane Rafferty, and sisters Agnes (Francis) Leahy, Ann Mazzei, and Margaret Rafferty. 

The wake will be held on Thursday, January 10th 2019 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, January 11th 2019 at 10:00 am at St Gabriel’s Church, Bronx NY. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.