November 1, 2011 

ADAMS CENTER, N.Y.  —  Phyllis L. Kiernan, 53, of 16384 Thomas Road, Adams Center, died unexpectedly at her home on Friday, October 28.

She was born Feb. 18, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Maxwell E. and Jane C. Glass.  

She is survived by a brother, Thomas Glass, of South Fargo North Dakota, a sister, Mary Jane Collier of Auburn, California, a nephew and a niece.  

Dr. Kiernan was an associate professor of English at Jefferson Community College where she had taught since 1996.  

She earned her PhD in English Literature from the University of Cincinnati in 1995 with the major fields of concentration in 20^th Century American poetry and fiction, Native American literature and Creative Writing.  The title of her dissertation was “Involuntary Landscape.” 

In 1990 Phyllis earned her MA in English Literature from the University of Cincinnati where she was a recipient of the Taft and Ricking Fellowship for advanced graduate study.  She earned her BA in English from Wright State University in 1988. Prior to receiving her degrees in English Literature, Ms Kiernan studied nursing at the Miami Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Dayton, Ohio. She became a registered nurse in 1979. 

Phyllis was a passionate dog-lover and devoted much of her time rehabilitating dogs that most dog owners and trainers would have given up on.  She was greatly admired by animal care professionals.  

She leaves behind her beloved German Shepherd, Grendel, in addition to several other dogs. 

Phyllis will be sadly missed by her family, her students and colleagues at Jefferson Community College, and her church family at Honeyville Baptist Church. 

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at Honeyville Baptist Church in Adams Center. There will be no funeral or calling hours.  

Arrangements are with the Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown.

Donations may be made in her name to the Jefferson County SPCA.

Information provided by Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc. and Newzjunky.com, Watertown