Sharon Louise Tierney, 78, Tucson, Arizona, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Overland Park, Kansas.
Sharon was born March 1, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Louis and Louise Rivolta. One of five siblings, Sharon grew up on the St. Louis “Hill” surrounded by a rich Italian heritage that included her beloved Grandma Rosa. Sharon graduated from Southwest High School where she excelled at both basketball and volleyball.
During and immediately following high school, she worked various jobs including as a telephone operator, bank teller, and as a room clerk at the Diplomat Hotel, where she met the love of her life, Patrick Tierney in 1964. They were later married and started a life together that would span 57 years of marriage and take them from St. Louis to Shawnee, Kansas, for 14 years, and ultimately, to Tucson, Arizona, where they have called home since 1989. In 1971, through the gift of adoption, she became a mother to Tiffany Rose, whom she imparted her wisdom of motherhood, friendship, and loyalty. Sharon kept a close eye on Tiffany (and her friends) at Trailridge middle school while serving as a Library Aid for twelve years. After moving to Tucson, she managed The Golfe, a 1,000 member association of golfers in the tourism industry. Following Pat’s retirement in 2000 and until her passing, Sharon managed a staff of 40 registrars for the American Gem Trade Association, which hosts the world’s largest Gem show.
Sharon was a devoted and loving wife and mother and later “Mama” to her three grandchildren Tierney Rose, Ethan James, and Aidan Patrick. Whether it was hiking, snorkeling, swimming, or riding roller coasters, Mama was always a willing and an enthusiastic playmate. Sharon was also an excellent cook and loved hosting family and friends at her beautiful Tucson home. Her bountiful meals, which oftentimes included her famous pasta sauce, were always presented on her meticulously decorated dining room table. She was truly at her best when she was hosting and taking care of others.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Gary (Jackie), sister Valerie, and Pat’s brother Chris (Patti). Sharon is survived by her loving husband Pat, her sweet, precious daughter Tiffany and favorite son-in-law Dave, sister Joann (Charles), brother Mark (Vicki), brother-in-law Robert, and Pat’s brothers Tom (Georgine) and John (Nancy). In addition, she leaves behind her grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, who adored their Mama/Aunt Sharon.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 4th, from 10:00 to 11:00am at Porter Funeral Home (8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215) followed by a Memorial Service from 11:00 to 12:00pm. A private ceremony for family and close friends will immediately follow the Service at Resurrection Cemetery, where Sharon will be interred.
A luncheon for all of Sharon’s loving friends and family will be held at Shadow Glen Golf Club (26000 Shadow Glen Drive, Olathe, Kansas 66061) beginning at 12:30pm. As Sharon would always said “mangia, mangia”.
In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to Youth on Their Own (1660 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712) where Pat was previously a board member. In addition, please consider following Sharon’s example in offering the gift of life to others by becoming an organ donor.