Mary Sharon McKiernan

On June 29th, 2026, Mary Sharon McKiernan passed away in her home, surrounded by ‘a lot’ of loved ones, who are sure there is a party already going on in heaven with those who got there before her. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Dennis Robert McKiernan, who will be happy to see her again and share a piece of pineapple-upside-down cake and get taken on vacation to a destination he didn’t even know he wanted to go to. She is also preceded by her four brothers, Eugene “Gener” O’Mara, Patrick “Pat James” O’Mara, Daniel“Dan” O’Mara, Michael “Mike” O’Mara, and  a sister, Margaret “Marg” Werminski, as well as her son Mark Edward and her parents Patrick James O’Mara and Julie Cora Gagnier.

Mary Sharon is survived by her close friend and baby brother, Kevin O’Mara, and his wife and just-as-close-friend, Wanda. Also, her sister-in-law, Christina O’Mara, brother-in-law John Werminski, dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and friends. She is also survived by seven of her children: Den, Chris, Julie, Phil, Laura, Tim, and Sean. They remember her as a woman fun enough to allow very independent kids to be themselves and tough enough to keep them on the road to success. And most importantly, as Chris pointed out, she was the best mom that we liked best. She leaves behind her nineteen grandchildren (which she also referred to as ‘her kids’): Denny, Steven, Spencer, Matt, Kellie, Joseph, Haley, Aisling, Eimile, Kailee, Danielle, Jason, Mark, Abby, Amelia, Maya, Aiden, Juliet, and Alana. The Grandchildren lovingly gave her the nickname ‘Birdie Grandma,’ a name she loved and embraced from the day she was given it. And now that some are adults, they think of her as a “pretty radlady”. Everyone knows she was a grandmother ahead of her time. Her grandkids all grew up with her in their lives and will recall and cherish her unwavering and unquestionable love and support. She was a foundational part in all of their lives.

The quantity of people who miss her and hold her in their hearts is infinite. She lovingly referred to everyone that was important to her as ‘girlie-friend’ or ‘boy-o-friend.’ The life and hostess of many a party- enormous family gatherings, and get-togethers, always with good food, good conversation, and good laughs. Many of us have memories of her home; people asleep on every couch and recliner, and every inch of the floor covered in air mattresses with kids who wanted to sleep over. Comedy shows and news programs are playing in the background. Always a cup of tea, with milk, being served. And likely a batch of cookies going, some well-done, some over-done…but that’s how she liked them. Always room and food for everyone.

However, she was so much more than what we have listed. In our remembrance of her, we think about the love shared and lives touched, but she was accomplished in many fields. As a young adult, she loved sailing in the San Francisco Bay and was certified as a sailor. She studied Chemistry at Chabot College in Hayward, California, before she pivoted to raising her eight children.She taught catechism and was a leader serving the community at Holy Eucharist Church in Corralitos, California and Sacred Heart Church in Hollister, California. She later returned to college at San Jose State University to receive her degree in Environmental Studies. She enjoyed working as a docent for the Point Sur lighthouse and time as a substitute teacher. She was a lifelong learner and teacher. And she truly enjoyed traveling… anywhere, everywhere, anytime, every time, anyplace, every place. And even while traveling, it was always with and for: friends, family, connection. She was always spending time with those she loved and would traverse the earth for the chance to visit with any and all of them.

She is already missed and will always be missed.

The family would love to receive cards and notes with your remembrances of Mary Sharon.

Please share your thoughts by sending them to the above tribute wall tab.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of your own favorite charities or to one of Mary Sharon’s favorite organizations: Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, The Nature Conservancy

Her Legacy

Mary Sharon was a wonderfully unique person, who cannot be quantified in any number of words, or wholly captured with any combination of phrases. Those who knew her will carry with them the memory of her unwavering love and support, and her encouragement to every generation to be their authentic self, just as she was.