OBITUARIES

With the deepest sympathies of the Irish Center

OBITUARIES 2021

AUGUST

Sheila-Redding

Sheila Redding – February 1952-August 2021


MAY

Patrick McKenna – February 1937-May 2021
 
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Patrick McKenna. Patrick was born February 28, 1937 in Dernalosett, Emyvale, County Monaghan, Ireland. He was the oldest of six children and was preceded in death by his sister Helen and brother Eugene. He passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 22, 2021.
 
Patrick met Brigid, his future wife, in Ballygowley, County Tyrone and moved to Birmingham, England and married in 1960.
 
Patrick and Brigid immigrated to Southern California in 1966. Combing his love of driving and the outdoors, he obtained his class A drivers license and was a truck driver for a great portion of his working life. He also pursued his passion of real estate.
 
Patrick is survived by his wife, Brigid, three children, Barry, Paul and Michelle and six grandchildren, Matthew, Damon, Ian, Jasin, Shane and Kyra.
 
Patrick was a fiercely proud Irishman. He enjoyed the beach, camping in his RV and going on a drive anywhere and everywhere. He was not a homebody by any means and enjoyed socializing and being out and about. He really loved interacting with everyone he would come across.
 
Patrick will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Part of his ashes will be laid to rest with his parents in his beloved County Monaghan, Ireland. The rest will remain here to eventually be laid to rest with his wife, Brigid.

 


Christina “Ina” Quigley – December 24, 1945- May 18, 2021

Christina (Ina) Ann Quigley (Née Lambe) 75, late of Dublin, Ireland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Arcadia, CA on Tuesday May 18, 2021. Beloved Mother of Clive, Allison and Michael and Nana to Kimberlyn, Sean, Kayla, Landon and Kenzie. Devoted Mother in Law to Shereen, Noel and Ashley.

Ina was born on December 24th 1945 in Drimnagh, Dublin 12 to Edward and Elizabeth Lambe, one of eleven siblings Evelyn, Noel, Gerry, Philip, Frank and the late Eddie, Aileen, Sadie, Josephine and Peter.

 


MARCH

matthew-anthony-flynnMatthew Anthony Flynn passed away from natural causes peacefully on March 25th, 2021 at his home with all his family by his side.

Matt was born June 1942 in Dublin, Ireland and immigrated to the United States in January 1962. Matt attended St. Joseph’s in Dublin, Ireland and spent 5 years at Bolton Technical, training to be a machinist.

Matt came to Los Angeles with his parents Matt & Anne Flynn and his brother Kevin and sister Francis. As a career, Matt was a machinist in the aerospace Industry in Los Angeles.

In 1965 on Saint Patrick’s Day Matt met the love of his life, Mary Brandley at an Irish Dance. Mary immigrated to Los Angeles from Leitrim, Ireland in January 1964. They were married a year later and had four children; Matt, Mary, Marc and Letitia. Matt and Mary shared a successful business together in Glendale, California for over 40 years.

Matt is survived by his wife Mary, Children; Matt and his wife Kim, Marc and his wife Muriel, Letitia and her husband Freddy, and in death by his daughter Mary who died as a baby. Matt will also be survived by his brother Kevin and his wife Ava, sisters; Mary and her husband Owen, Anna, Betty and Francis.

Matt was a well-known story teller and was loved by all that new him. He was a very proud grandfather to Victoria, Ryan, Kaitlynn, Ciarra, Aidan and Ainsley. Matt was a kind and loving person and made such beautiful memories with so many in our family. He provided advice, showed support and love to so many of his nieces and nephews here and in Ireland.

Although Matt will be greatly missed her on earth, it gives our family great comfort that he will be in heaven with his daughter Mary and his Mother and Father.


 

FEBRUARY

Dale Anderson 

Died on 2-23- 2021) 

Today I say goodbye to my brother Dale, who made his way to Cowboy Heaven to be with my Mom, Dad and brother, Terry. 

Everyone loved Dale’s sweetness, humor and storytelling, especially his “Hollywood Secrets”… 

Dale, I miss you so much… crying at our memories growing up building snow forts and walking to school in Ohio. I hope I made your life better, safer and will always love you. 

It really hurts to say “Good Night”. 

Gary, Luann and Allyn 

(Dale Anderson is brother to: Terry (R.I.P.) , Allyn and Gary)

Dale-Anderson


 

rev james f o ggrady

Reverend Monsignor Patrick McNulty 

(Died on February 12, 2021) 

Reverend Monsignor Patrick McNulty died Friday, February 12, 2021. He was 95 years old. 

Monsignor Patrick was ordained a priest on June 7, 1953 in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. While serving as a priest, these were his assignments: 

  • Associate Pastor, Nativity Church, Los Angeles 
  • Associate Pastor, St. Athanasius C hurch, Long Beach 
  • Administrator Pro Tem, Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart, Covina 
  • Pastor, Pastor Emeritus, St. Bernard Church, Los Angeles 
  • Resident, Nazareth House, Los Angeles 
  • Resident, Marycrest Manor, Culver City


JANUARY

Reverend James F. O’Grady 

(Died on 1- 25, 2021) 

Reverend James F. O’Grady died Monday, January 25, 2021. He was 86 years old. 

A native of Ireland, Fr. O’Grady was ordained on June 22, 1958 for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He served at Visitation Church in Westchester for more than 40 years, as associate pastor, administrator, pastor, and pastor emeritus. 

According to a Facebook post by Visitation pastor Msgr. Jim Forsen, Fr. O’Grady passed after the COVID-19 virus struck the care facility where he lived. Prior to his most recent residence, Fr. O’Grady lived at Nazareth House, a senior living community affiliated with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, from 2018 to 2020. He had suffered cognitive decline in recent years. 

“He served our church well, especially here at Visitation where he worked for more than forty years,” wrote Msgr. Forsen. “He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Is there a family in our parish who did not have Fr. O’Grady baptize their babies, marry their children, anoint their sick and dying, preside over their funerals, hear their confessions, give them their First Communion, and especially, celebrate life with them? He loved life.” In the summer of 2020, Visitation’s parish hall was renamed “O’Grady Hall” in honor of Fr. O’Grady. Services for Fr. O’Grady are pending. 

Fr. O’Grady also served as an associate pastor in the following parishes: St. John the Baptist Church, Baldwin Park; St. John the Evangelist Church, South Los Angeles; St. Andrew Church, Pasadena; St. Lawrence Martyr Church, Redondo Beach; and St. Polycarp Church, Stanton (now part of the Diocese of Orange). 

 


 

Reverend Jeremiah O’NeillReverend Jeremiah O’Neill 

(Died on January 19, 2021) 

Reverend Jeremiah O’Neill died Tuesday, January 19, 2021. He was 88 years old. 

Fr. Jeremiah was a diocesan priest that was ordained on April 30, 1959 in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. While serving as a priest, these were his assignments: 

  • Associate Pastor, St. Justin Martyr Church, Anaheim 
  • Associate Pastor, St. Agatha Church, Los Ange 
  • Associate Pastor, St. Catherine of Siena, Reseda 
  • Associate Pastor, St. Martha Church, Valinda 
  • Associate Pastor, Holy Family Church, South Pasadena 
  • Pastor, Pastor Emeritus, St. Thomas More Church, Alhambra

     


jim finnJim Finn 

(1-11-1925- 1-13-2021) 

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of Jim Finn, who passed away peacefully in his residence in Burbank. Jim was born in the picturesque village on the Dingle Peninsula of Stradbally, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry to John and Ellen (O’Connor) Finn; the eldest of four siblings. Following the passing of both of Jim’s parents, his brother, Pat, asked him to come to Los Angeles. Jim headed over in November 1961 where he met and married Jean MacDonald from Nova Scotia, Canada. They settled in Burbank, where they started a family, Eileen, James Jr. & Michael. Jim was very involved in the Irish Community, especially with the Harp & Shamrock Club and also with chartible organizations. Jim was an amazing accordian player and learned by ear. Jim’s mother taught him and his siblings to play the melodeon and grew up with celli’s in their home on a regular basis where his love for music and dance were nutured. What a dancer he was. As an avid sports fan, sports were watched on Sundays, but come 3pm the sound would be turned down so the Irish Hour could be heard. We would listen to the local Irish Community news and music. When it was over the box would come out and Jim would say to Jean, hum a tune, he heard on the show and wanted to play, after three goes Jim was belting out the tune we had just heard. Many an Irish party, and functions even feis Jim played at. Jim had to play at his own wedding, as the guests wanted to hear him not the band he hired. Jim started his own business Jim Finn Tree Service, he did courses and Descano Gardens, so he knew his types of tress and plant. He loved people and loved meeting new people, he always told his children not to be afraid to talk to people. He had a great sense of humor, the driest wit, a great work ethic, incredible faith, and was very charitable. A proud Irishman, prouder Kerryman and even prouder Stradbally man, always loved his trips home to Ireland. He loved showing his grandchildren, places he loved when he was home and loved having them visit Burbank and spoiling them. JIm’s final wish was to be cremated and buried in his beloved Stradbally. Jim is predeased by his parents, brother, Pat, sisters Eileen (Sister Agnes) and Mary (SIster Claire) both with the Little Sisters of the Poor in Belguim. Jim is survived by his wife, Jean, daughter, Eileen (Ireland), sons James Jr (Montrose) & Michael (Burbank), son-in-law Tommy Galvin, daughter-in-law Tracey and grandchildren Conor, Kieran & Kathryn. 


Mary S.M. Glenane 

mary-glenaneMary Glenane, of Laguna Woods, CA, was born on November 18, 1936 in Johnstone, Scotland. She was eternally welcomed into the loving arms of our Lord on January 10, 2021 at the age of 84.

Mary is survived by her three children, Peter (Amy), Ron (Susan), and Cheryl, and is the proud grandmother of Emma, Aidan, Liam, Maeve, Declan, Maire, Ciaran, and Darcy, all of Orange County, CA.

After growing up outside of Glasgow in Paisley, Scotland, Mary emigrated to Montreal, Canada with her parents, Richard and Ellen, and brother Richard. She met the love of her life, Peter Glenane, a native of Galway, Ireland, and they were married in Montreal on July 13, 1957. They then headed west and eventually settled in Santa Ana, CA, where their children were born.

Mary was a Santa Ana Unified School District employee for 25 years. Those years as a librarian at Adams Elementary and MacArthur Fundamental were filled with laughter and hard work alongside the many friends she made at both schools.

Mary’s generous heart was evident to everyone with whom she came in contact. She volunteered to teach CCD at church, helped run Irish festivals at the Brothers of St. Patrick, and did outreach to the elderly and people experiencing homelessness. Always an avid reader, she also loved to travel: from Costa Rica to Russia, from Cuba to the Holy Land. Mary was quite handy and could fix almost anything; after Peter, her husband of 58 years, died in 2015, she began taking slip casting classes to learn how to make ceramics.

From the moment she first held her eldest grandchild Emma, Mary’s greatest treasures have been her grandchildren. She spent time cheering them on at soccer games, track meets, and Irish dance competitions. She hosted grandkid sleepovers and taught them all how to play Bunco, complete with prizes she collected.

Mary was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in June of 2020. Her beloved daughter Cheryl was her constant companion, by her side until the very end. The family is grateful for all of the caregivers who showed such compassion during Mary’s last months.

A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, January 21 at 7:00 PM at McCormick & Son Mortuary in Laguna Hills (indoors). The Vigil will also be live-streamed on Mary’s Tribute Page on the McCormick & Son website. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 22 at 1:00 PM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laguna Woods (outdoors). A private burial will be held at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Literacy Project Foundation: https://www.literacyprojectfoundation.org/ 

Thomas-WilsonTHOMAS WILSON

Thomas (Tom) Wilson aged 94.5 passed away on 1/13/21.and his daughter Siobhan with the assistance of his Hospice RN and FaceTime, said some prayers and talked to him. Siobhan mentioned that he looked very peaceful.

Thomas-WilsonTom grew up in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland and is predeceased by his four siblings. His Mother was Sarah (Sadie) O’Malley and his Father was Patrick Wilson and they owned Wilson Barbershop. Tom was a well-known footballer when he was young. In the early 1950’s Tom emigrated to the United States.

While working for CalTrans as a Civil/Structural Engineer Tom built bridges and freeways throughout all of California. Siobhan remembers him as . . . “brilliant, strong, charming, witty, could tell you a great story, thought everything was easy as he’d say: ‘that’s A,B,C’s and could do anything from fixing anything to building additions to houses.”

Tom was a member of San Gabriel St.Therese Parish, and for many years a member of the Ireland’s Own Club 



TOM LABONGE

Tom-LabongeLos Angeles City Councilman, or “Mr. Los Angeles,” Tom LaBonge may in part be remembered for his efforts to help the elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo. In spring 2006, amid pleas to free the elephants, the city council voted to keep the world’s largest animals at the zoo. in a new exhibit, which included grasslands and waterfalls.
“We have three elephants at the zoo… Right now we have to make it better for them, safer for them,” said Councilman Tom LaBonge.

Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge died Jan. 7, 2021 at the age of 67. A graduate of John Marshall High School, LaBonge received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University, Los Angeles.

He was a member of the Los Angeles City Council representing the 4th district, serving from 2001 to 2015. LaBonge won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of long-time council member John Ferraro. The district included a wide diversity of incomes and neighborhoods. During his time in office, he was the chairman of the Arts, Parks, Health and Aging committee, vice chairman of the Transportation Committee and the Ad Hoc River Committee, and member of the Trade, Commerce & Tourism Committee, and the Ad Hoc on Recovering Energy, Natural Resources & Economic Benefit from Waste for L.A. (RENEW LA) in the city of Los Angeles. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Prior to serving as councilman, LaBonge was director of Community Relations at the Department of Water and Power, special assistant to Mayor Richard Riordan, and chief deputy to council president John Ferraro. LaBonge was a lifelong advocate for Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the nation, which fell in his old council district.

He married graphic designer and illustrator Brigid Manning LaBonge in 1988. Prior to his death, LaBonge resided in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles with his wife and their two children, Mary-Cate and Charles.

Mayor Garcetti And Council President Nury Martinez On The Passing Of Tom LaBonge

“Our hearts are heavy with the passing of former Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge. In a city of 4 million Angelenos, Tom LaBonge was Mr. Los Angeles. He was a true public servant who was never afraid to roll up his sleeves or pull a City worker over if a constituent needed help or a street needed servicing at a moment’s notice. He knew every mascot of every high school in Los Angeles for a reason – so he could engage people and talk to them about their lives. As a councilmember, he took care of his constituents and was a champion of one of L.A.’s greatest treasures, Griffith Park. Tom LaBonge loved Los Angeles and Los Angeles loved him right back. To quote Tom, he is forever an angel in the City of Angels. May God bless him, his wife, Brigid, and the entire LaBonge family.” — Mayor Eric Garcetti and Council President Nury Martinez

Janice Hahn On The Death Of Tom LaBonge

“I am still trying to process the loss of my friend Tom LaBonge on Thursday night. The ten years we spent together on the City Council were the best political years of my life.

I directed that the L.A. Memorial Coliseum torch be lit on Friday until sundown in honor of his life.

Nobody loved this city more than Tom and I don’t know if anyone ever will. He was and will always be Mr. Los Angeles.

May my dear friend Rest In Peace.” — Janice Hahn

NOTE: As Los Angeles City Councilman, Tom sponsored the Irish St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Council Chambers for many years. Some years ago, Tom was the “Irishman of the Year.” Tom was well-known and appreciated by the Irish Community. R.I.P.



REVEREND MONSIGNOR JEREMIAH O’SULLIVAN
June 13, 1925 – January 5, 2021jeremiah-osullivan

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Monsignor Jeremiah O’Sullivan, 95. He passed away peacefully on January 5, due to complications of COVID. Father Jerry was born in The Spa, County Kerry, Ireland in June, 1925 to Michael and Hannah Mary O’Sullivan; the eighth child of fifteen. They lived on a dairy farm overlooking Tralee Bay. The eleven boys helped on the farm, while the four girls helped their mother. Though very hard times, they had enough to feed the family as well as many of the neighbors in need. In the summers they would escape down to the water to swim. They loved being in the water.

Jerry joined the Dublin Police force at the age of 20. He enjoyed being a Dublin Garda. He carried a gun with no bullets. He never wanted to hurt anyone; he only wanted to help. Once, as the Dublin rain got heavy, he ran across the street for cover by the door of a jewelry store. When he found cover, the door of the store opened as a thief was exiting. The thief saw a cop, dropped the bag of jewels and put up his hands. Jerry’s supervisor recommended a medal be awarded for the arrest. Jerry explained that it was pure happenstance the thief surrendered, but he still received the medal

He left the police force at age 24 when he received a letter from his brother, Martin, stating his intention to go to America and asked his brother, Jerry, if he would like to join him. They were sponsored by an uncle in St. Louis, Missouri. After getting their visa, they were on the boat. They lived in St. Louis for 18 months.

Father Jerry had decided to become a priest and in 1951 he entered the seminary in San Diego. He was ordained March 19, 1958. His first Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Sun Valley, CA where his brother, Martin, is a parishioner.

He served at many churches in the San Diego Diocese; starting with St. James in Solana Beach as an associate. He was an associate at St. Pius X, Chula Vista; and Immaculate Conception, Colton. As Pastor, he served at The Immaculata, San Diego; St. James, Perris; Holy Family, San Diego; St. James, Solana Beach; and Sacred Heart, Coronado until he retired in 1996. He continued to help at Sacred Heart as long as his health allowed.

He loved being a priest. His homilies and eulogies for those who had passed were beautifully written and delivered. He had a way with words that could bring you to tears or make you laugh. The many pilgrimages he led to various countries inspired many. He celebrated Mass at Nazareth House a few weeks before he died. The director said she had never seen a resident priest continue his priestly duties until the end of his life. It was very inspirational to those in attendance. He spent hours praying every day and did so much for his parishioners. And they, in turn, did so much for him. While at Nazareth House, his former parishioners from various parishes, as well as family and friends continued to visit him, invited him to their homes for holidays, took him out for lunch and were good friends to him.

Father Jerry had many talents. He loved to paint, especially landscapes of Ireland and flowers. Many of his beautiful paintings were donated to various causes, given to family and friends, and he kept many as he enjoyed the memories of home. As he was a great photographer, he used his photos as inspiration for his paintings. If anyone has received a card or letter from him, you know his calligraphy was beautiful. Reading was important to him and he collected numerous books. Coming from a musical family, Father Jerry played the violin and loved music. All of his brothers and sisters either played an instrument or sang; and most were very good! Visiting Ireland and family brought him joy and he would visit home often.

People loved Father Jerry and he loved people. He could meet someone once and they would feel they have a new friend. It didn’t matter where you came from or your position in life. He had a gift of being able to connect with others. Friends ranged from anyone on the street to famous musicians, directors, photographers & Hollywood stars.

He is preceded in death by his parents (Michael and Hanna Mary); his brothers: James, Paddy, Sean, Michael, Tommy, Brendan and Eamon; sisters: Bridget and Anne (Sr. Maria Goretti) and nephews: Thomas and Jeremiah. He is survived by his brothers: Martin, Liam and Florry; and sisters: Hannah Mary and Mary. He was a favorite uncle to his thirty-seven nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He had an amazing life, a great sense of humor, and loved others. He will be missed by many. Jesus, the Eternal High Priest, has called and summoned his faithful servant to be with his Lord, heavenly family, the angels and saints. May he rest in eternal peace.

Due to COVID guidelines, funeral and burial services will be limited in attendance. Funeral Mass will be Friday at 11:00 am PST, Sacred Heart Church in Coronado. The mass will be available live at: www.sacredheartcor.org/worship/live-broadcast (scroll down & Click to Watch). The recorded mass can be seen at www.sacredheartcor.org/worship/mass-video . It will also be available on their Facebook page. To leave a condolence or memory, contact www.GoodbodyMortuary.com located in San Diego. They will also have the mass on their Facebook page. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego.

Thank you to all who loved and helped him throughout his life. Thank you to the nurses and staff at Nazareth House for your loving care.



LAURA THERESE PRICE

LAURA-THERESE-PRICEOctober 11, 1948-January 2, 2021

Laura Therese Price passed away unexpectedly and peacefully of natural causes in the arms of her son, Eamonn Price, on January 2, 2021 at her home in Calabasas, California.

A celebration of Laura’s life will be held when we can all safely gather together. If you would like to be notified please email [email protected].

Laura was born on October 11, 1948 in Dublin, Ireland to Peter and June Mulvey, and was one of eight wonderful children.

Laura moved to Los Angeles, California on December 26, 1966 making it her home along with her parents, and her brothers and sisters for over 54 years. She spent her life enjoying the warm weather and close proximity to those she loved dearly.

She is survived by Oliver R. “Brick” Price, her two children, Eamonn Price and Eilish Sacks (husband Chris); her siblings Colette, Cyril (wife Rosaleen), Nuala, Noel (wife Phylis), Lori (husband Jim), Sadie, Michael (wife Lisa); nieces Marie, Carol, Sinead, Sioban; nephews Edmund, Kearan, Rick, Sean, and many great nieces and nephews.

Laura and Brick met in Los Angeles and fell deeply in love. My dad recalls that one quick kiss under the Santa Monica Pier was the beginning of the beautiful life he got to share with Laura. They married on February 24, 1972. They would be celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary this year. Prior to her passing Laura was searching out a celebratory, simple diamond ring for the many years they were married and, as a gift to Brick, a big Labrador rescue dog. She and Brick started and shared a successful business for over 40 years. She loved what she did and was working up until days of her passing.

An adoring wife, devoted mother, loving sister, and a caring friend. Laura will be missed for her smile that lit up the entire room, her infectious laugh that filled hearts, her complete inability to tell a funny story without being fully in stitches and crying tears of laughter, her “squeezy hugs,” and most of all her warm, caring, and loving spirit.



PHIL HAYES

Phil-HayesPhil Hayes, aged 86, (predeceased by his wife, Kathleen), passed away recently.  Phil was raised in Clonard, Co. Meath and is survived by his brothers in Ireland, Billy, John, and sisters Betty, Sheila and Agnes in Australia.  Phil, aged 86, had one daughter Eirn, and grandchildren Dee Dee, and Shane.  Phil worked for the 7 Up Company until his retirement and lived in Palmdale.  For over fourteen (14) years Phil regularly attended the Friends of Ireland Breakfast held in Los Alamitos on the 1st Tuesday of the month which is a 94 mile trip each way.  Note from Pete Walsh:   “Phil and I came to Los Angeles at the end of March 1959.  As we were standing at a bus stop to go to Verdugo Park where the football was played a car stopped and the voice said (Mike Noone)  ‘Ye look like two lost Irish men’  and the rest is history.”

Photo: Phil Hayes with wife Kathleen



JOHN MCGINLEY

john-mcginley

John McGinley aged 89, recently passed away and is predeceased by his wife Gracie. John, who grew up in Falcarragh, County Donegal came to America in 1962 and lived in the Wrigley area of Long Beach. John is survived by son Sean and wife Kristie, and daughter Debbie and husband Kevin who have two daughters, Sopia and Lila.

Due to Covid 19 a Memorial and Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Death takes the body. God takes the soul.
Our mind holds the memories.
Our heart keeps the love.
Our faith lets us know we will meet again.
(author unknown)



MARY KIGGINS

Mary-KigginsMary Kiggins, where do we begin. Even as a young girl this proud Irish woman inspired so many with how loving and courageous her spirit was.

May bravely moved from Ireland at a young age to build her future in America. Her travels brought her from New York all the way to California, where she happily built a house full of six loving children and a long list of animals who we all know were excitingly greeting her at the heavenly gates.

Her first love Michael McGovern raised the six loving children alongside May but our Heavenly Father welcomed Michael McGovern into heaven where he watched over May and the kids. His warm love was felt from heaven over the years. May found love years later with William Kiggins who most knew him by “Bill.” One of the fondest memories of him and the grandkids going out on his boat. That household gained enough love to fill an ocean. So, when you look out upon the seas or up at the heavens, know we will all meet again one day.

Even through happiness and hardship May survived her two husbands and later on her two Son’s Sean & Michael McGovern. Regardless of the highs or the lows May was always there to cheer spirits up with Irish Bread.

May is survived by Madeline, Kevin, Trudy, Greg, Erin, Jay and Tommy. 8 grandchildren and spouses and 24 Great grandchildren. She was so blessed and they loved her so much.

Who knew this young woman from Dingle, Ireland, who decided to make her way to America would have left such a huge mark on so many hearts.

Some of her favorite times of the year were the holidays. Visiting Ireland 32 in Van Nuys for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, indulging in great food and drinks taking in her love for Irish dance. Reminiscing of her times going to the Irish Dances herself with her brothers & sister-in-laws.

So whether it be blackberry brandy to cure all the woes, making booties to comfort cold toes, or adorning a little cross on the top of the Irish bread; remembering sweet May will be an easy treasure to hold close in our hearts and minds until we meet her again. Like that, her love, strength and the Irish culture will forever be instilled within us all.

Draped in her country’s flag, her body lays at rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery on Friday January 8, 2021.

Forever in our hearts.