SALEM- Mrs. Elizabeth R. (Dwyer) Kiernan 86, of Salem, beloved wife of Russell Kiernan, died September 1st, 2013 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by her family following a brief illness.

Born in Salem she was the daughter of the late Philip R. and Elizabeth (Prendagast) Dwyer. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of the former Ste. Chretienne Academy of Salem. She continued her education graduating from Emmanuel College.

Mrs. Kiernan had been employed as a school teacher with the Salem Public Schools prior to starting her family.

A devoted and loving wife and mother, Elizabeth was a dedicated communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Salem and volunteered through the Women's Guild at the Immaculate Thrift Shop. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with her family. She was the eternal matriarch of her beloved family and extended family.

In addition to her husband of 61 years, Elizabeth is survived by her daughters, Lizanne Kelley and her husband Neil of Hampton, N.H., Diane Makarushka and her husband Ihor of Salem, Priscilla McInnis and her husband Paul of North Hampton, N.H., Nancy Hunkins of Newmarket, N.H. and Susan Santin and her husband Ernest of Wenham, her sons, Philip R. Kiernan of Salem, Peter R. Kiernan and his wife Pamela of Topsfield, Stephen L. Kiernan of Floral City, Fl and Richard W. Kiernan of Ft. Myers, Fl, her fourteen grandchildren, Christopher, Philip and Julia McInnis, Kyle, Carly and Hannah Kiernan, McKale, Trillium, Corbin and Kendell Santin and Tabitha, Russell, Stephen and Nicholas Kiernan and several nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Mary Ellen Kiernan.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral services were held privately with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O'Donnell Funeral Home 46 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem.