Bernice Tiernan

Bernice Frances Tiernan, 91, of Cedar Rapids and Springville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Bernice was well respected, fiercely protective, and was devoted to her circle of family and friends. Bernice was born to Francis and Helen Birky in the height of the depression and learned the value of frugality, which she lived her life.She was united in marriage to Edwin Joseph Tiernan in 1954, and together they had four children. The family lived in the rural Springville area where Bernice made a career as proprietor of her in-home beauty shop where she also sold Avon. Bernice enjoyed decorating, family gatherings, reading, and listening to Johnny Cash and other country music. Bernice played hostess to the most wonderful family Christmas gatherings and loved visiting her children's homes, in later years. She was a homemaker, yet a pioneer who inspired others to work hard, be patient, have flexibility, and enjoy ice cream every chance you get.She is survived by her children, Debra Janechek, Brian (Holly) Tiernan, Michael Tiernan, and Kimberly (Ted) Sturm; grandchildren, Michael (Jennifer), Matthew (Miriam), Nathan, and Nicholas (Emily Horak) Janechek. Angela (fianc�� Collin Byrnes), and Benjamin Tiernan. Scott Sturm (Lisa Hajek), Jill (Jordon) Ahdrensen, and Laura (Greg) Saunders; and great-grandchildren Jax, Mallory, Alice, Genevieve, Auden, Eliot, and Nixly. Also surviving is her sister, Kay (John) Farmer, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years; her parents; step-father, John Swing; parents in-law, Earl and Regina Tiernan; brother, Richard Birky, brother and sister-in-law, Lowell and Mary Jean Weede; brother-in-law, Donald Tiernan; and son-in-law Charles Janechek.Bernice Tiernan loved purple.Graveside Services: 11 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2022, at the Springville Cemetery. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.