Joan M. Tierney

Joan Elizabeth McLeod Tierney, longtime resident of Wilton, NH passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025 at Ledgewood Bay in Milford, NH.

She was born in Peterborough, NH on January 7, 1932, the daughter of Donald K. & Evelyn (Wheeler) McLeod. Joan graduated high school in Milford, NH and then attended the University of New Hampshire where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority and earned her bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy.

After marrying her high school sweetheart, they settled on Abbot Hill Acres in Wilton, NH where they raised their three children. Joan lived on “the acres” for over 60 years, and her home was an inviting place where neighborhood kids felt comfortable hanging out together, and those same kids would often come back to visit “Joannie” as adults. Her sense of humor and quick wit were loved by everyone who knew her.

Joan was an accomplished artist. Her love of art began when she was given her first paint set by her Aunt Ede for Christmas at age six. She often told people, it wasn’t that she “wanted” to paint but that she “HAD” to paint. Joan took many classes over the years and worked tirelessly to perfect her craft. She was a member of many organizations including the NH Art Association and Keyes Art Group, where she was president for many years. Joan gave art lessons in her basement in Wilton to many people over the years, and always felt that anyone could learn to paint. When Joan was painting, she often had the company of her kitty cats next to her drinking out of the mason jar that she used to rinse her brushes.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, David B. Tierney, Jr., and her brother, Donald W. McLeod.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Peter David & Ann (Whitten) Tierney of Hobe Sound FL, Tracey Lee Tierney of Milford NH, Christopher Donald & Pamela (Hall) Tierney of Bedford NH; four grandchildren: Erin (Tierney) Stewart, Jordan (Tierney) Littlewood, Autumn Tierney, and Nick Worden; six great grandchildren: Violet Stewart, Dean Stewart, Baker Littlewood, NJ Worden, and two more on the way; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Visiting hours are on Tuesday, November 18th from 3-5pm at the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A celebration of life will be held at a local establishment immediately following.

A private burial will occur in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Wilton, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NH Art Association or the Animal Rescue League of NH.