Mary Margaret McKiernan

Mary Margaret McKiernan, of Longwood, FL, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016. Mary was born in the Bronx, New York, on August 6, 1938 to John and Mary McHugh McKiernan.
A year after graduating St. Catherine's Academy, Mary entered the Sisters of Mercy in Tarrytown, New York, taking the name Sr. Marie Bernadette, R.S. M. She answered the call to work in Catholic Education and obtained Master's Degrees in Reading and in Administration. She taught and administered in schools in New York City, Westchester County and Brasher Falls, N.Y. Mary also was Director of Catechetical Formation and Training for the Archdiocese of New York.
After leaving Mercy, Mary relocated to Florida where she brought her love of children and many talents to St. Mary Magdalen School in Altamonte Springs. She remained there, as principal, for 17 years. Under Mary's leadership, St. Mary Magdalen School earned the National Blue Ribbon School Award. She devoted over 50 years to Catholic education and was loved, respected and admired by those who worked with her.
Mary loved spending time in her pool and at the beach in Ponce Inlet, FL. She also loved watching movies and shopping. Time with family and friends, especially the children, was important. Celebrating her Irish heritage was a joy all year. Time spent playing with and caring for her cats brought happiness to her and her pets.
Mary's memory will be cherished by her sister, Joan and her husband, Patrick Kelly, of DeLand, FL, her nephew, Christopher Kelly and his daughters, Morgan and Shannon, of Connecticut, her niece, Meghan Kelly and her son, Jackson Short of North Carolina and her devoted friend, Maria Elena Mundet of Longwood, FL, as well as many other friends and relatives in the United States and Ireland. Mary was predeceased be her parents, John and Mary, and her sister Elizabeth McKiernan.
The family is grateful to the doctors and staff at Moffitt Cancer Center and to the staff of Vitas Hospice for their loving care.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave. Altamonte Springs, FL on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Visitation with family from 9:30 to 10:45 AM.
Inurnment will be at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand, FL on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mary's honor to the Mary McKiernan Tuition Assistance Fund at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. Please contact Betsy Lieble at 407-339-7301. Online condolences may be made at www.allensummerhill.com. Allen-Summerhill Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.