Rose Christine McTiernan, 61, died on Friday, January 13, from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Rose was the second of two daughters born to Rose and Christopher Becker on May 9, 1950, in New York, New York.  She grew up in the Bronx, where she met her future husband, Michael Joseph McTiernan.  

With Michael, her husband of 40 years, Rose raised two daughters in Sayreville, NJ, Jennifer McTiernan Huge of New Haven, CT, and Melissa Rose Caines of Vancouver, Canada.  Rose relished the affection and love of their two daughters, two sons-in-law and three grandchildren.  In recent years, Rose was overjoyed to be reunited with Kristine Bonagura of Kendall Park, NJ, to whom she gave birth in 1966 and for whom she chose adoption.  

Rose lived a life marked by quiet strength and selfless generosity, as well as a love of learning. As a devoted mother, her daily selfless acts ensured a loving, peaceful home for her growing family.  Later in life, Rose met the challenges of chronic illness with remarkable strength.  Her strong belief in education led her to return to school at night, while her children were young, to complete her college degree in English from Rutgers University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1993.  Rose loved the literary works of William Shakespeare and Joyce Carol Oates, instilling in her daughters a deep appreciation of literature.  She then completed a Master's Degree from Kean College in 2001 while working full-time.  Most recently, Rose served as an executive assistant to the dean of UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, capping a career of executive administrative positions.  After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Rose became active in both raising awareness of the disease and research funds for its treatment.  

Rose is survived by her husband, three daughters and seven grandchildren, as well as a beloved circle of extended family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Marie Jones.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 21, at 12:30pm at Teeters' Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rose's memory to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or www.pdf.org.