Judith Mae (Cournoyer) Yerka

Uxbridge- Judith Mae (Cournoyer) Kiernan Yerka, 73, passed away suddenly on Wed., Nov. 22, 2023 at home after being stricken ill.

       She is survived by her 2 children, Sean Kiernan of Whitinsville, and Sarah Yerka of Lyons, NY; 2 grandchildren, Matthew Kiernan of Whitinsville, and Damien Horne of Lyons, NY; 3 sisters, Barbara Roy and her husband Roger of Uxbridge, Patricia Arsenault of Douglas, Elaine Sinniger and her husband Mike of Lyons, NY, as well as many nieces and nephews. Born in Worcester on April 2, 1950, she was the daughter of Leo N. Cournoyer and Regina (Ward) Cournoyer Osborne. Her step-dad Percy Osborne helped raise Judy after her father passed at a young age.

       Judy worked in the advertising department for the Blackstone Valley News Tribune for several years, then for the Northbridge Police Dept. as a Secretary and was the first woman trained to speak to abuse and rape victims after assault. She was the bookkeeper for Pine Grove Cemetery in Whitinsville for many years until her retirement in 2012.

       Judy enjoyed spending time with her family, whether going out to dinner or just visiting at home. She was an animal lover and enjoyed her several pets over the years, watching movies, listening to music, travelling, and was an avid reader and writer. She was also a published author and wrote a novel “The Suicide Room”. She was a wonderful cook, and created many of her own recipes.. most notably “the Meatballs” and “Dynamite”!

       Judy was a kind and loving soul, who had a wonderful sense of humor and huge heart. She was always ready to listen with empathy and provide kind words of support to anyone in need. She was loved and respected by everyone, especially her family. She will be sorely missed.

       Her funeral home service will be held on Tues. Nov. 28th at 10 AM in Tancrell- Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Rd., Uxbridge. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held on Mon. Nov. 27th from 4-6 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory may be made to: Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or to the ASPCA, www.aspca.org/donate/. To leave a condolence message for her family please visit:  Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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