Susan Kiernan
Wife, Mother, Nan, and Friend
Susan was raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, as the eldest of Patrick and Ursula McElduff’s seven children. After graduating from Benedictine Academy, she earned her degree from the College of New Rochelle.
On August 4, 1973, Susan married Anthony “Tony” Kiernan. Together they began their life in Portland, Maine, before moving to Boston. After a brief time raising newborn triplets in a third-floor walk-up apartment, they decided to give Hingham “a try.” That try became a blessed 48-year journey in the town she came to love so dearly.
Together, Mom and Dad built a life centered on love, family, community, and service. Susan had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and special. Our kitchen table was more than just a place to eat; it was where we gathered and stories were shared with whoever happened to walk through the door. Whether she was hosting an intimate dinner for four or a barn party for seventy-five, she made it all look effortless. Susan had a laugh, or a snort, that drew everyone in.
Above all else, Mom loved her family. The lessons she taught through her compassion, generosity, faith, and unwavering devotion will live on through Brendan, Tatiana, Anna, Emily, and Brigid Kiernan; Elizabeth, Matt, Margaret, Charlie, and Thomas Berry; Kathleen, Clare, Andrew, Conor, and Matthew Jodka; Patrick, Erin, Owen, Quinn, Liam, and Bree Kiernan; Matthew, Suzie, Benjamin, and William Kiernan; and Carlos Munoz Soteras.
Susan dedicated countless hours to supporting her neighbors through volunteer work. After serving with St. Paul’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping parish families in need, she joined a small group of volunteers from Hingham’s churches and synagogue to establish the Hingham Food Pantry 35 years ago. She continued to serve as its volunteer Executive Director for the rest of her life. Through an army of volunteers, the Food Pantry has compassionately provided assistance to thousands of families.
Dad introduced Mom to The Battery in Maine, a place that became one of her greatest joys. Whether reading a book on the beach, chatting with neighbors, rocking on the porch, or enjoying a meal with family and friends while overlooking the water, she found peace and happiness there. Her love for The Battery has been passed on to her children, grandchildren, and even several of her brothers.
She taught all of us what it means to love fiercely, put others before ourselves, and invest deeply in family and community.
Susan was also a treasured friend. From her kindergarten days through high school, college, and her many years in Hingham, she formed friendships that endured throughout her life. Her many nieces and nephews knew that no birthday, milestone, or meaningful moment would pass without a thoughtful card, note, or present from Aunt Sue.
She was a devoted daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, friend, and neighbor. Susan took great pride in being part of the larger McElduff family. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Mom’s brothers and sisters-in-law, Patrick and Sara McElduff, Thomas McElduff, Michael McElduff, Matthew and Claudia McElduff, and Tim and Michelle McElduff; sisters-in-law Ellen Fauerbach and Maggie Kiernan; and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends will continue her legacy of caring for others.
Susan was predeceased by her beloved husband; her son-in-law Dave Jodka; her parents; her sister Anne McElduff; her sister-in-law Patty McElduff; her brothers-in-law Michael Fauerbach and Jay Kiernan; and many dear friends.
The Hingham Food Pantry was at the center of Susan’s life of service, and she was deeply grateful for the many organizations and individuals who supported its mission. Those who wish to honor Mom’s memory may make a donation to the Hingham Food Pantry, Womanade of the South Shore, or Society of St. Vincent de Paul Boston.
Please join us as we celebrate our Mom, our Nan, and our friend Susan at St. Paul Parish on Saturday, September 19th at 10:00 am.