A philanthropic with a great sense of humor
MELROSE — Judith A. (Laskey) “Judy” Tierno, a lifelong resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at age 82.
Judy was born in Melrose on March 19, 1939, the daughter of the late Elroy Laskey and Kate Anne (Wheeler) Laskey. She was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1957, and always remained humble yet proud of her roots in Melrose. She was married to Nicholas Tierno in 1960, and started a family of four children.
In 1963, Judy and Nick purchased the Theatre Service Station on Main Street in Winchester where Nick had worked in his youth. Judy was an integral part of the family business from day one through the remainder of her life. She happily managed the office work, and contributed to the overall success and management of the station. Later in life, she proudly maintained the bookkeeping and fostered the family atmosphere that endeared the station to so many longtime customers.
In addition to raising her family and helping run the service station, Judy immersed herself in the Melrose community. She was very involved with the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, volunteering for over 25 years in the Gift Shop and as President of the Ladies Auxiliary. She served on the Board of Directors at the Melrose YMCA, Advisory Board for Rainbow, and was a member of Phi Theta Xi Sorority. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose where she was actively involved for many years in supporting nearly every Church activity. She was also a member of the Winchester Lions Club and shared her loving nature every year as Mrs. Claus while visiting patients at Winchester Hospital, and local Melrose children to their surprise!
Judy enjoyed summers spent on Beaver Lake in Derry, NH for adventures swimming, boating, and waterskiing. She served as the de facto boat captain for laps around the lake waterskiing with many friends and family in tow. She loved being surrounded by family and friends at the lake and enjoyed time spent all together. Judy and Nick also enjoyed their numerous trips to Bermuda and then later in life their trips to Foxwoods. The last few years, Judy and her lifelong friend Charlotte took many trips to Foxwoods.
With a great sense of humor and love for laughter, Judy brought happiness everywhere she went. She nurtured friendships from Melrose High School, and helped plan reunions for 65 years for her classmates. Thoughtful and strong, she was generous with her time, but never sought accolades or recognition. She loved unconditionally, always had an open door, and was happy to provide a hot meal or listening ear to anyone. She took great pride in her longtime home in Melrose, the City of Melrose, and her extended family and many friends. With her strong yet kind way, she endeared herself to many people and thoughtfully wanted the best for those around her.
Judy’s life centered around her family, her faith, and her community. She contributed positively to everyone with her generosity, genuine interest in others, and energetic spirit. She will be deeply missed, but her lasting legacy will be cherished by those she loved and remain as a source of inspiration for her family. May she rest in eternal peace.
Judy was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas J. Tierno with whom she shared 55 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Robin M. Jackson and her husband, David, of Tewksbury; Michael J. Tierno and his wife, Deborah, of Woburn; Gerald B. Tierno and his partner, Eliza McNamara, of Winchester and Jeffrey S. Tierno of Woburn and Melanie of North Andover. Dear sister of Dan Laskey of Saco, Maine; Bob Laskey and his wife, Melody, of Saco, Maine; the late Nancy Dakin and the late Gerald Laskey. Sister-in-law of Shirley Chester of Melrose and Joseph Tierno of MO. Cherished grandmother of Delaney Jackson, and Lauren, Cameryn; Morgan, Nicholas, and Jeffrey Tierno. Also survived by her godchildren Duane and Donna, and many nieces and nephews. Judy was also predeceased by her stepmother Luella Laskey.
Relatives and friends were invited to gather in honor of Judy’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 4 – 8 p.m., and for her funeral service at Trinity Church, 131 W. Emerson St., Melrose celebrated on Friday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Gifts in Judy’s memory may be made to the Mass Lions Eye Research Fund, 43 Stewart Terrace, Belmont MA 02478, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
