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Memorials

	Memorial Title(Name) *	Memorial Image	Memorial Content *
1			Margaret “Peggy” Farrell, a longtime Madison resident, passed away on March 2, 2019 after living an incredibly rewarding, loving life. She was 87. Peggy was the model for all mothers and grandmothers and met God with the same strength and faith that was the standard of her days on earth. Peggy was born on March 2, 1932. An historically significant day in that was the day the Lindbergh Baby was kidnapped. A depression era child, her parents Oscar and Margaret (nee Dooley) Guensch settled in Newark, NJ, where she attended St. Ann’s school. She often told of her memories of Pearl Harbor day and the war years. It was during her high school days at Our Lady of the Valley in Orange that two significant events occurred. First, she began an intense devotion to the Blessed Mother and also met a 15-year-old from Seton Hall Prep named Joseph Farrell. Both were to last a lifetime. Her first date was at an ice cream parlor which Joe assumed was Dutch treat. He had to ride his bike home to get a nickel from his mother to cover the check. From then on, there was no one other in her life. They were married at St. Ann’s Church on September 6, 1952 and settled in the Vailsburg section of Newark. Surrounded by many Irish families with names like Giblin, Cryan, Lenihan, and Brady to name a few, the Farrells were active in the community and Sacred Heart Parish. Peggy began working in 1949 at Bell Telephone in Newark, but when the first of five children arrived, she became a stay at home mother. In 1967 the family moved to Madison, NJ. Peggy was a terrific mom. There was always plenty of great food on the table as well as advice, guidance and counsel. Her moral direction and encouragement of her children was unwavering. She was very supportive of Joe’s career with Local 68 of the Operating Engineers over her 39 years of loving marriage. She lost him in 1992. It was a difficult time for her, but she showed her usual grit and determination by becoming the very best Grammas ever to her 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Peg returned to work after becoming an empty nester as an administrative assistant at Drew University in 1975. She retired from Drew in 2003. Peggy loved to travel with her family and took several trips to Ireland, France, and Bermuda. She enjoyed her summers in Bay Head watching the family grow. She was a member of the St. Vincent’s rosary altar society and the Madison senior citizens. Peggy embraced the holidays. Her thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables were major undertakings, serving as many as 35 at the most recent occasion. St. Patrick’s Day was always a special occasion as both her husband and son were honored as grand marshals of the Newark Parade. She was a member of many Irish organizations including the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee and the Giblin Assn. Peggy was an avid sports fan. She rooted for the Yankees and often talked of watching Don Larson’s perfect game. Sundays in the fall were totally focused on the NY Football Giants. Peggy’s house was Giants central for road games with plenty of good food and libations. Peggy was a frequent visitor to the Meadowlands to partake in the family tailgate in lot K3. She would go home after the tailgate to prepare a meal for the postgame victory celebration. Jimmy Stewart may have had a wonderful life, but Peggy Farrell created wonder and joy in all the lives she touched. She will especially be missed by her grateful children, Michael K. and Nancy Farrell of New Vernon, Dr. Margaret “Peggy” and Richard Daingerfield Esq. of Chatham Twp., Patrick J. and Sharon Farrell of Madison, Kevin J. and Karen Farrell of Florham Park, Daniel C. and Christina Farrell of Chatham Twp. Peggy was the beloved Grammas of Meghan and Fred Gero of Madison, Seann and Agnese Farrell of Hoboken, Katie and Justin Fries of Philadelphia, Laura and Joshua Lentchitsky of Livingston, Brian Daingerfield of NYC, Joseph Daingerfield of Chatham Twp., Bridget Farrell of NYC, Joseph “Jack” Farrell of Chatham Twp, Michael Farrell of Madison, Christopher Farrell of Madison, Matthew Farrell of Chatham Twp; and her great-grandchildren, Lucas and Dominic Gero of Madison, Sarah and Hannah Fries of Philadelphia, and Jane Farrell of Hoboken. Peggy also leaves her dear sister, Rose Marie Cymansky of Lakewood, and many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was predeceased by her Parents Oscar and Margaret Guensch; her cherished husband Joseph J. Farrell; and a sister, Nora Pennella. Funeral services will begin at 9:00AM on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, followed by a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr RC Church, Madison. Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Peggy’s life on Wednesday from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that charitable contributions be made in Peggy’s memory to the Joseph J. Farrell Scholarship for Seton Hall Prep, 34 Kennedy Lane, PO Box 52, New Vernon, NJ 07976.
2			Margaret “Peggy” Nora Reilly, a resident of Bronxville, NY and one of the first female supervisors in Westchester County Department of Social Services, passed away on October 25th. She was 84-years-old. Reilly was born and raised in Yonkers, the second of three daughters to James and Ellen Clifford. As a child she was nicknamed Peggy. A self-declared tom-boy and a daddy’s girl, she was fearless from a young age. As an adult she recalled her days of playing outlaws and sheriffs with the neighborhood boys on Riverdale Avenue. Later in her life she would describe her childhood years with vivid fondness, transforming the busy streets of Yonkers into a kid’s perfect playground. In 1951, Reilly graduated from Commerce High School, but her studies were interrupted when her father was diagnosed with emphysema. She decided to abandon her plans for college and instead went to work to help support her family during that challenging time. She went on to marry Francis “Frank” Reilly in 1958. Together they had a set of identical twin boys, Peter and Paul, a set of fraternal twins, a boy, Sean, and a girl, Frances, and a daughter, Kathleen. While her husband came to the United States with aspirations to become an opera singer, Reilly talked of becoming a judge or the sheriff. She worked in the Westchester County Office of Child Support Enforcement for the Department of Social Services. There she advocated for child support for children of divorce. There she became one of the first women to become a supervisor. Reilly dedicated her life to advocating for families and mothers, she continued her work after her retirement with the National Coalition for Family Justice (NCFJ). There she helped women of divorce work to get child support from partners who tried to evade their financial responsibility to their families. Reilly raised and financially supported her children singlehandedly, which meant having multiple jobs at once, something she proudly boasted later in life. Her favorite occupation was being a school crossing guard, keeping children safe on their way to school. Her youngest daughter, Kathleen, would frequently have to go with her as she wasn’t yet old enough to attend school herself. Reilly often recalled the time when Kathleen was playing around in her car and accidentally sent the vehicle - with herself in it - flying down a hill. With superhero strength, fueled by the determination that can only be explained as a mother trying to save her child, she ran down after the car and managed to slip inside before it crashed. She always said she would be able to lift buildings with the love she had for her babies - that love saved Kathleen, and the car that day. That was just one of many instances where Peggy Reilly saved the world. In the summer of 1996 her world was turned on its head, literally. Reilly fell down a flight of stairs in Ireland while on vacation and suffered internal bleeding in her brain. She was rushed to a Dublin hospital and had a dime-sized piece of her brain removed. Reilly was in a coma, and remained in the hospital for six weeks. For each of those weeks, one of her five children came over from America, took turns to be there with her. They followed their mother’s rules, “watch your step, mind your P+Q’s, take care of each other.” However traumatic, that injury did not hold Peggy Reilly back by any means. She continued to go to Curves gym, volunteer her time with the Yonkers Historical Society and the NCFJ. She continued to defy expectations when she decided to prove to the world that it’s never too late to go back to school. In 2011 she received not one, but two diplomas. She walked across the stage as part of the graduating class of 2011, receiving her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Empire State College and her master’s degree (which she had actually completed in 1987) from Pace University. The ceremony at Lincoln Center brought an end to the decades worth of work and sacrifice. Although many passersby that day assumed this family was celebrating an adult or grandchild, Reilly walked the streets of New York City proudly in her cap and gown. On the steps of Lincoln Center, she threw her arms up in celebration and exaltation. She did it. She did it for herself, for the first time, on her own terms. In addition to her degrees, Reilly’s other accolades include being a decorated go-fish player and well-versed on the catalogue of crooners from the 30’s and 40’s. She loved a cup of Barry’s tea with a splash of milk, and it went even better with a scone - or Irish Soda Bread if it was in season. She celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with as much pride as the Fourth of July, and she never missed a birthday, even if it meant she had to sing to you over the phone. “I’ll be there with bells on,” she always said in her sing-songy voice to her grandchildren. Reilly never missed a recital, a hockey game or impromptu musical performance. She opened her home to violin practice and math tutoring. To her grandkids she was the gold standard of what it meant to be a mother, advocate and protector - all that is good in this world. In an age of superheroes, those who knew her never had to turn to comic books to recognize that Wonder Woman lived among them. Her power was to love unconditionally with all of her heart and soul. She dedicated every day of her life to serving others, an example that those who knew her could only aspire to emulate. She is survived by four of her children and their spouses, Peter Reilly and Maryanne Reilly of Lake Mary, Florida, Regina Maimoni Reilly of Yonkers, David Smith and Frances Reilly Smith of Yonkers, Sean Reilly and Valerie Reilly of Yorktown and Michael Hymes and Kathleen Reilly Hymes of Manhattan. She is also remembered by her eight grandchildren, Katherine, Meghan, Clare, Emma, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Cameron and Caeley. Her sisters, Patricia Clifford Bilz and Eileen Clifford Price, survive her. In heaven she joins her husband Francis P. Reilly who passed away in 2000 and her late son Paul Reilly, who passed in May of 2016.
3			Alice Knox of Manhattan, New York, formerly of Scotland passed away on October 1st 2018. She was 69 years old. Alice was born in Greenock, Scotland to Mr and Mrs. Francis Horler. She was one of nine children. Alice was raised in Greenock where she attended St Joseph’s primary school and St Mary’s secondary school. She would later move to New York in June of 1968 to be with her older sister Martha and an opportunity to better herself. Alice loved NYC. She began her career as a nanny before working for AT&T as an overseas operator. It was while working at AT&T she would meet her husband of 31 years Robert Knox of Sligo, Ireland. They would meet at a party in NY where Alice was introduced to Robert by her friend Helen Gregoire. The couple would marry in St Sebastians Church in Woodside on March 22nd 1987. They would raise their daughter Alice in Woodside before moving to Manhattan. Alice loved Manhattan. Her favorite pastime was shopping for a good bargain. She also enjoyed traveling to foreign countries, collecting Llardo and reading fiction. Alice will be remembered as a strong willed lady and never let anything stop her. She was a lady who was driven smart, loving, beautiful caring and compassionate. She had a dry sense of humor and will be missed by everyone that knew her. Alice leaves behind her husband Robert, her Daughter Alice and son in law Chris Ryan, her brother's; Frankie, John and Jim. Her sisters; Anne, Mary, Josephine, grace and her grandson Colin Robert Ryan. She is predeceased by her sister Martha. A celebration of Alice's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home, located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, NY, on Thursday October 4th from 4-9 PM. Alice will be repatriated home to Greenock Scotland where a mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Ninians Church. Interment will follow at Knocknairshill Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in Alice's name to Calvary Hospice. https://www.calvaryhospital.org/ For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com
4			Margaret "Meg" Burke of Pelham Manor, New York, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018. She was 76 years old. Born in New Rochelle NY to William Telford and Kathleen Dooley, Meg was the eldest of two and was raised in Pelham Manor with her brother Bill. She graduated from Pelham Memorial High School before attending the Brockport State teachers College. After attending Brockport State Meg began working as a travel agent for AAA. Meg loved to travel with her late husband Walter. Through her life long career as a travel agent the couple would travel the world. When Meg wasn't on an international excursion she could be found at the Shamrock House in East Durham or spending time at the Irish Benevolent society where she had served as president. Margaret will be remembered as a straight shooter with a great personality. She was giving and was always ready to help. Margaret is survived by her brother William "Bill" Telford (Janet) of CT, her sister-in-laws Eileen Lunberg of the Bronx and Theresa Brosnan of Florida. A celebration of Margarets life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home, located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, NY, on Thursday, March 22nd from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Catherines Church, located 25 second Avenue, Pelham NY. on Thursday, March 22nd at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Beechwood Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margarets Memory to a charity of your choice.
5			Kathleen “Kay” Brennan Brennan, Kathleen "Kay" C. WATERVLIET Kathleen "Kay" C. Brennan of Watervliet, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2018, at 88 years of age. Kay was born in County Kildare, Ireland and immigrated to Tuckahoe, N.Y. as a young girl, where she lived until she was 75. She then moved to Albany and resided for the last four years at Shaker Pointe in Watervliet. Kay was predeceased by the love of her life, George K. Brennan, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage before his untimely passing in 1988. She was also predeceased by her daughter Ann P. Shoureck of Poughkeepsie; her grandson, Christopher McCormack of Latham; and her sister, Anna Barlow of England. She is survived by three daughters, Eileen (Tom) Murphy and Kathy McCormack of Latham, Peggy (Chris) Martin of Newtown, Conn.; and her son, Kevin (Alison) Brennan of Portchester, N.Y. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Caroline, Jack and Patrick Murphy, Kevin and Sean McCormack, Ryan, Conor and Brendan (Colleen) Martin, Caitlin and Meghan Shoureck and Zoe and Jayden Kim; as well as a great-granddaughter, Elodie Martin; and five cherished nieces and nephews in England. Kay will be remember as a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister and grandmother and a friend to many. She embraced her Irish heritage, and along with her husband, was a founding member of the Eastchester Irish American Social Club. She was an inspiration to her family and friends and had a zest for life right up until her passing. She loved to travel the world, seeing new and old places and meeting new people. She was employed for many years by Concordia College in Bronxville in the Bursar's Office where she loved interacting with college students. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A special thanks to Kay's friends and the staff at Shaker Pointe for their care and love over these last few weeks. Funeral Mass was held on Monday, February 26 in the Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe with burial in the Holy Mount Cemetery, Eastchester, N.Y. A celebration of Kay's life will also be held on Saturday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at Shaker Pointe, 1 Bell Tower Dr., Watervliet
6			One Year Anniversary Remembrance Eileen Courtney February 21, 1953 – March 25, 2017 You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. An Anniversary Mass will be held at St. Barnabas Church 11:45am on Sunday, March 25th. Mo Ghile Mear
7			Elizabeth Murphy (née O’Keeffe) of Yonkers, NY. Born in Boherbue, Co. Cork, Ireland May 8, 1931 - March 9, 2018 (86 years young). Loving wife to her late husband James Murphy born in Ballydesmond, Co. Cork, Ireland. Loving mother to daughter Margaret Burns (née Murphy) of Ridgefield, CT and son John Murphy, Newport Beach, CA. Beloved mother-in-law to John (JB) Burns and grandmother to Kiera Burns and Claire Burns. Loving sister to the late Denjoe O’Keeffe and to Connie O’Keeffe, Noreen O’Keeffe and Sheila Breen of Ireland and William O’Keeffe (Mary) of New Fairfield, CT and Margaret Powell of Nanuet, NY. Loving sister-in-law to Sheila Allen and the late Barty Murphy of Co. Cork, Ireland. Loving Aunt to nieces and nephews from Australia to Ireland and across the USA. Visitation was Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Hodder Farenga Funeral Home, 899 McLean Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704. Funeral Mass was Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Barnabas Church, 409 East 241st, Bronx, NY 10470 followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. A heartfelt thank you for all who offered prayers and masses, and for those who came to visit and be with Mom and all her family at the hospital. An enormous debt of gratitude to her devoted doctor, Dr. Commentucci and the loving and caring nurses, doctors, and staff at St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers. We are eternally grateful.
8			Mary M. Houlihan Bronxville - Mary M. Houlihan, 90, of Bronxville NY and Palm Beach FL, died peacefully on February 3, 2018 at Calvary Hospital after a long illness. She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, James G Houlihan. A long-time resident of Bronxville, she previously resided in the Bronx, graduated from Our Lady of Angels Grammar School in 1939, Cathedral High School in 1943, College of Mount St. Vincent in 1947 and received her Master's degree from Fordham School of Social Services in 1949. She worked as a social worker at Catholic Charities and then devoted herself to raising her children and serving as a volunteer and Eucharistic Minister. She served at Calvary Hospital, St Patrick's Home, The Pregnancy Care Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. Many years later, she returned to the study of social work, earning a doctorate in gerontology from the Fordham University School of Social Service in 1986. Her dissertation, entitled "Family Caregivers of the Terminally-Ill and Elderly" was forward-thinking and ultimately had relevance in her own life. She was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Murray, a sister, Rosaleen Sage, and three brothers, Msgr. James J Murray, John T Murray, and Patrick Murray. In addition to her husband, she is survived by one sister, Sr. Mary Rose Murray, SU., her children: James J. (Patricia), John (Judy), William (Claire), Mary Coleman (James), Thomas (Genevieve), and Patricia MacRae (David). She is also survived by eighteen cherished grandchildren: Christie Houlihan, Michael McEvoy, Kelly Buckley, Meghan McEvoy, Bryan Houlihan, Erin Flanagan, Kerry Salvatierra, Siobhan Houlihan, Katharine Houlihan, Ellen Houlihan, Terence Houlihan, Mary W. Houlihan, Caitlin, Kara and Kevin Coleman, Emily Houlihan, Timothy and Elizabeth MacRae and their respective spouses and seven great grandchildren: Kieran, Maggie and Grace Salvatierra, Molly and Josie Flanagan, and James and Charles Buckley. The funeral was held on Wednesday, February 7 at St. Joseph's Church, Bronxville. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Calvary Hospital www.calvaryhospital.org
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