Sharon Ann Connelly Tierney

Sharon Ann Connelly Tierney, 86, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on May 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Sharon's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the church cry room. Burial will follow in the St. James Catholic Church Cemetery.

Born on April 23, 1940, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, Sharon was the daughter of the late Mary Ellen O'Hara Connelly and the late John Harold Connelly. In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by several siblings, Robert Eugene Connelly, John Reynolds Connelly, Patricial Connelly Duddy, Gloria Connelly Bastian, Catherine Bridgett Connelly, Joseph Franklin Connelly, James Connelly, and Baby Frances Connelly.

She carried with her throughout life the strong faith, family values, and warmth that became the foundation of the home she lovingly created.

Sharon devoted more than 35 years of her life to education, teaching both in New Jersey and later at Harrisburg Elementary School in North Carolina. She loved her students deeply and believed in the power of kindness, encouragement, and learning. Teaching was never simply a profession for Sharon - it was part of who she was.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Sharon was a longtime member of St. James Catholic Church. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in the compassion, generosity, and love she extended to everyone around her.

Sharon found joy in the simple but meaningful things in life. She was an avid reader who always had a book nearby, a wonderful cook who never let anyone leave hungry, and a gracious hostess who loved gathering family and friends around the table. Her grandchildren were truly the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, John Joseph Tierney; her children, Joseph John "Joe" Tierney and wife Amy of Concord, John Connelly Tierney and wife Katherine of Concord, Patrick O'Malley Tierney and wife Ashley of Concord, Mary Ann "Molly" Tierney-Fry and husband Matthew of Concord, and Clare Tierney Palmer and husband John of Concord; and her cherished grandchildren, Michael Joseph Tierney, Daniel Patrick Tierney, Elizabeth Grace "Bella" Tierney, Mary-Clare Carter Tierney, Ann-Margaret Connelly Tierney, John "Jack" O'Malley Fry, Madeline O'Hara Fry, Catherine McCandless Fry, Audrey Grace Fry, and John William Palmer.

She is also survived by her sister, Sister Catherine Connelly, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, former students, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and gentle spirit.

Those who knew Sharon will remember her for her unwavering devotion to family, her warm hospitality, her quick smile, and the loving way she cared for others. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and love will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Special Olympics North Carolina.