Erin Leigh Kiernan

On Saturday April 11, 2020 Erin Leigh Kiernan, age 31, died comfortably in her home of Mount Airy, MD surrounded by family and friends. Born in Olney, MD on April 6, 1989, Erin lived a life full of adventure. She enjoyed traveling to visit friends & family, take vacations, and to participate in advocacy events. Notably, she traveled to LA to be featured on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, a Make-A-Wish trip to swim the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Caribbean cruises, and a trip to Mexico. Erin graduated High School and earned a BA in Political Science from Edinboro University of PA. There, she enjoyed a full college experience and developed life-long friendships. On weekends, Erin loved horseback riding and an evening hanging with the best gal pals a girl could ask for- Kim TJ, Megan D, and Jess K. Erin was known for her ability to talk endlessly and her silly sense of humor.
Erin spent most of her life as an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) where she inspired the people around her to see past a disability and enjoy the person themselves, while advocating for continued research and improving the life experiences of people living with disabilities. Erin strived to never let her disability define her and she always found a way to keep moving toward her goals. This was a life full of love, inspiration, and good-will.
Erin is held with warm hearts by her parents; Patrick and Karen Kiernan of Mount Airy, MD, sister and brother-in-law; Megan Kiernan-Bruce and Cheron Bruce, her nieces- who Erin loved dearly, and all who had the opportunity to know her. At her request, Erin has a Rockin’ Irish Wake planned in the future, details to come. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Erin to The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance at www.cureFA.org .
As she always signed off, “Smiles-Erin”.

Thanks for your patience planning Erin's Celebration of Life. As COVID wanes and most are getting vaccinated, we have been able to lock in a date and venue for the event. The details follow:

Date: Saturday, May 22nd, 2021
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Venue: Linganore Winecellars
Location: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt. Airy, MD 21771
Website: https://www.linganorewines.com/

Erin never let an obstacle get in her way, and COVID is no different. It may be a year late, but we will overcome the challenges, just as Erin would. Erin wanted a send-off that was fun and raucous and captured her personality and smile. So let's give it to her!

Some things to know:

- Erin wanted everyone to wear something green, so Wear Green!!!
- We will have some planned speakers, but in the tradition of an Irish wake, anyone with a story, a laugh, or something to say, can step up to the mic.
- For those that would rather not speak, we will have a Memory Box" where you can share your thoughts and memories
- There is limited Accessible parking near "The Pavillion".
- We'd like to get some idea on numbers, so if you think you are coming, let us know.
- Dress is relaxed, so no ties/jackets needed.

TRAVELERS
BWI, DCA and IAD are all about equidistant away, but as a hub for Southwest and Spirit Air, BWI is usually cheaper and less crowded. Cab service could be pricey from any of the airports so, look for a van service.

There are no hotels in Mt Airy, so I suggest a brand new SpringHill Suites only a mile from our apartment in Frederick, MD. The link to their web page is: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasfk-springhill-suites-frederick/. We have a room block.

Before you use the room block I would look online for rates as they might be lower, otherwise, here are the details:

Name: Springhill Suites Frederick
Location: 111 Byte Drive, Frederick, MD 21702.
Block name: Erin Kiernan Memorial group
Reservations: Marriott Reservations at 1-888-236-2427 (before May 07, 2021)
Room Type Rate: Friday 5/21/2021 - Sunday 5/23/2021
Standard King Suite: $119.00
Standard Queen/Queen Suite: $144.00