Maria Tierney

Maria Tierney (nee Vega Lugo), 78, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with the comfort of her daughter by her side.

Maria was born to Damian Vega Serrano and Maria Lugo de la Rosa in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. She was the oldest of eight children and proudly served the role as big sister. 

Maria graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1966. She was a talented seamstress and worked privately, creating clothing for affluent families in Puerto Rico. At the age of 22, she courageously moved to the United States in 1969 to build a brighter future for herself and settled in Paterson, NJ. She worked in banking and for a newspaper as a keypunch operator, while continuing her work as a seamstress.

One day, Maria was pulled over by a police officer, Ronald Tierney, in Paterson. He pursued her for six months before she agreed to a first date at Gino’s, a fast-food restaurant right on the corner of Haledon Ave. and Halsey Ave. in Haledon. They married on Saturday, May 21, 1977, at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Broadway in Fair Lawn. They held a small reception at the home they purchased in Wayne and later honeymooned in Acapulco, Mexico. 

Several years after getting married, Ron and Maria were blessed with the birth of their precious daughter Lindsey. Maria’s greatest joy in life was being a mother. She often called her daughter her “miracle,” a reflection of the deep bond they shared. She would do anything for her daughter, always putting her needs above her own and offering unwavering support, guidance, and love. She was very present in her daughter’s life and upbringing. 

A dedicated homemaker, Maria took immense pride in caring for her home and family. She was a great cook and a talented seamstress, always creating meals and putting her craftsmanship to work. When Lindsey was a child, Maria handmade all of her Halloween costumes. She also took on other projects like furniture upholstery, custom window treatments and clothing alterations. She was very talented and proud of her creations. 

In 2022, she was blessed with the arrival of her granddaughter, Gabriella Maria, who quickly became one of the brightest lights in her life. Known affectionately as “Grandma Ria,” she shared a special and joyful relationship with her granddaughter. The two brought endless laughter to one another, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Throughout her life, Maria enjoyed visiting casinos, especially in Atlantic City. She loved being around people, the lively atmosphere, and the sound of laughter. An avid lottery player, she never missed a chance to play her numbers. She also cherished her morning and afternoon coffees, always enjoyed extra hot. For many years, she stayed active through Jazzercise and was an enthusiastic member of her bowling team, even earning recognition as Most Improved during her first year, a moment that brought laughter to everyone. Maria had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh that brought joy to those around her.

Maria will fondly be remembered as a loving mother, adored grandmother, supportive sister and wonderful friend. She was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be missed by all who knew her.

Maria was the beloved wife of Ronald Tierney, blessed in marriage for 44 years until his passing in 2021. Maria is survived by her daughter Lindsey Widmayer and her husband Andrew of Wayne, NJ and her adored granddaughter Gabriella Widmayer; her brothers and sisters Carmen Barros (Rodolfo), Jose Vega Lugo, Mercedes Vega Lugo (Noel), Priscilla Vega Lugo (Ruben), Onix Vega Lugo (Blanca) and Nydia Vega Lugo; her brother- and sisters-in-law Jack Tierney (Barbara) and Genoveva Tierney; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Damian Vega Serrano and Maria Lugo de la Rosa, her brother, Rafael Vega Lugo, and her brother-in-law Robert Tierney.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Maria's name are asked to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959