Alumna Leader Remembered for a Service-Focused Life

Jane Clare Tierney Milza ’56NDC, ’76G, who died on November 25, dedicated her life to serving others, especially those with disabilities. She was also active in the Notre Dame College Alumnae Association and enjoyed a career as a food and wine editor for the Staten Island Advance that spanned more than 33 years.

Ms. Milza was born on April 8, 1934, in Bayonne, NJ. She graduated from Notre Dame College in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in English, and from the Queens, NY, campus in 1976 with a Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science.  

Ms. Milza was admired for her work. As President of the Notre Dame College Alumnae Association, she was a strong advocate for the continuation and support of the Sister Helen Flynn Scholarship.

“Jane was constantly working to serve our association and her community,” said Maureen O’Brien ’62NDC, President, Notre Dame College Alumnae Association.

She was a mother of five; inspired by her son, Stephen, who has special needs, she became an advocate for those within her community. Ms. Milza served on the board of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council for more than 20 years. She was also recognized for her involvement in the Staten Island Center for Independent Living, the Borough President’s Committee for People with Disabilities, and various other organizations within Staten Island.

“Jane brought new perspective or teachings with her time and talents, supporting those with disabilities and without,” shared Ms. O’Brien ’62NDC.

Her career and various activities allowed her to meet many people, including world-renowned chefs, business owners, and St. John’s alumni. While at the Staten Island Advance, Ms. Milza was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s Newspaper Editor of the Year Award and the Brooks Foundation writing award and was recognized by professional organizations such as the Association of Food Journalists.

Her professional affiliations included board membership in the New York chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, the New York Newswomen’s Club, the Association of Food Journalists, and the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She was invited to serve as a judge for the Pillsbury Bake-Off on two occasions.

Ms. Milza remained an active parishioner at St. Sylvester Roman Catholic Church for more than 80 years, attending Masses and events, and serving on the Parish Council. Inspired and driven by her husband, Edward; children Clare Fennell (Bill Fennell), Carrie Milza (Scott Dax, Ph.D.), Edward Milza, Rob Tierney, and Stephen Milza; many grandchildren; and friends, Ms. Milza in turn inspired those she met during her life’s journey.

Mark A. Andrews, Director, Office of Alumni Relations at St. John’s University, worked alongside Ms. Milza at many events. “She embodied everything those teachings from her days as a student of the Notre Dame College bestowed upon her,” he recalled. He added that Ms. Milza left her impression on many in the University community, including himself.

Ms. Milza’s five children and multiple grandchildren continue her legacy of community involvement. For example, her daughter, Clare Fennell ’80NDC, actively serves on the Board of the Notre Dame Alumnae Association.

Ms. Fennell fondly recalled the love her mother had for Staten Island, and said that despite traveling the world as a food editor, “she lived, worked, and was educated within a 2.5-mile radius.” Ms. Milza’s legacy lives on through her family, the Notre Dame College Alumnae Association, and St. John’s University.

By Kimimila wi McNeil