Obituary of Elaine Kiernan

Elaine Ruth Kiernan came into this world on February 27, 1947 in Portland Oregon and was brought home to the Lord on May 5, 2013. Elaine passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children and close friends. Her journey on Earth had come to an end, and her angels arrived to help her begin anew. Elaine graduated from University of San Francisco with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Elaine was founder, President and CEO of Financial Resource Associates since its inception in 1982. She was a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Certified Senior Advisor, Investment Advisor Representative, and Registered Principal/Branch Manager of Geneos Wealth Management, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC. She was very active within the Santa Cruz community and served on various boards such as the McPherson Art & History Museum, the Santa Cruz Art League, the Planned Giving Council of Monterey County, Camp Opportunity, the Visiting Nurse Association and the Community Bridges Board of Directors for Santa Cruz County. She was the co-president of the FPA (Financial Planning Association) from 2007-2009, and was active in the S.C. Collaborative Practice Team. As a nationally known public speaker and published author, Elaine taught various financial topics for many years focusing on the financial independence of women. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Walter R. Kiernan, Jr. Elaine will be missed by her children, Michael Whitehead of Cozumel, MX; Patricia Reidy of Scottsdale, AZ.; Lexie Kiernan of Elk Grove, CA.; and Walter R. Kiernan III of Santa Cruz, CA., her grandchildren Nicole Whitehead, Cameron Bloyd, Jeffrey Whitehead, Jake Reidy, Connor Bloyd and Logan Reidy, and her sister, Cheri Wright of Santa Barbara, CA., as well as her dear friend, Jesus Pech of Santa Cruz, CA. Elaine was more than a mother, grandparent, companion and friend. Elaine was a best friend to all of those who were fortunate to be a part of her life. Elaine had a spirit that welcomed all and made everyone feel special and important. This spirit will be forever in our hearts and we will remember Elaine for the kind, loving, giving and compassionate person that she was. Although all who loved her take great comfort in knowing that Elaine is in a place with no fear, pain or discomfort, we are left with a hole that nothing will replace. She will be missed greatly and appreciated even more for the gifts that she bestowed on us all. Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, May 11th , 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. Funeral Services for Elaine will be held the following day, Sunday May 12th at 10:30 a.m., at Santa Cruz Memorial - Oakwood Crystal Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz.