Charlotte Tiernan Obituary

Charlotte Olha Tiernan, age 85, died on Saturday, August 16, 2003 in Cambridge Manor, Fairfield, where she had resided for 1.5 years. Charlotte was born on October 11, 1917 in Bridgeport, and was a resident of the Black Rock section for 78 years. She was the widow of Robert L. Tiernan, a retired firefighter for the City of Bridgeport. Charlotte was a very active woman in her younger years. Her step-father, the late Michael Olha, got her involved in politics as soon as she was eligible to vote. She would eventually become the Democratic Chairperson for 25 years for the Black Rock and West End districts.

In addition to her interest in politics, she was an avid bridge club player. Her hobby became her profession. For about 45 years, she was a duplicate bridge club director for the Bridgeport Bridge Club, Norwalk Bridge Club, Country Club of Darien, Woodway Country Club, and the Jewish Community Center, in Bridgeport. At one point, she directed nine games a week. She loved the game and the people. Since her husband, Bob, did not play bridge, she would go fishing and clamming with him on Long Island Sound. She loved to tell the story of hiding her long hair under a baseball cap when women were not welcome on the water.

She will be remembered lovingly by her daughters, Kathleen Filo, of Bridgeport, Nancy Peffley, and her husband, Kenneth, of Stratford; her grandchildren, Robert Filo, Colleen Filo, Mary Filo, Kevin Filo, Drs. Andrea and Jim Wetterer, and Tim Peffley; her great granchildren, Terry Filo, Kathleen Filo, Sarah and Jack Wetterer; Charlotte had one brother, Paul Olha, a resident of Southbury Training School.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday 10am in the LESKO FUNERAL HOME, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield center, and 1030am in St.James church, in Stratford. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 4-8pm. Memorial contributions may be made to: St.James- Care of our Father's House, or Hole in the Wall Gang. For more information, pleaase visit www.leskofuneralhome.com.