In Memoriam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah “Sally” nee Carlin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 15 , 2023. She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Connolly (Oliver Connolly), Colleen McDonnell (Donie O’Donovan); her grandchildren Kelsey, Nicole, Kennedy Connolly, and Daniel O’Donovan; her sister Maureen Crawford and many more much loved family and friends here, Ireland, and around the world.

Sally was born July 30th, 1935 to Charles and Elizabeth Carlin (McHugh) in Castlederg, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. She was the 7th of 9 children. Sally completed her nursing training in Omagh, Co. Tyrone and Liverpool, England, which in the years to come would prove to be invaluable to her.

In 1961, Sally and her love, Tommy McDonnell, arrived in San Francisco to her eldest sister, Susan. She arrived on a Friday and Susan had a new pair of work shoes waiting for her so she could start work on Monday. From there, she never looked back. Her younger brother, Harry, joined them in San Francisco shortly after that. The bond Sally, Susan and Harry formed over the decades was unwavering. She also remained close to her family in Ireland making trips home as often as possible and welcoming all that traveled to the states.

Sally’s strong family values, loyalty to friends, and devoted work ethic helped her navigate through life’s twists and turns… and there were many. She never ever forgot the welcome and hospitality that she received from friend and mentor Anne “Ma” Conway and Sally was always ready to help others in return.

Sally worked at Mary’s Help Hospital on Guerrero St., then moved to San Francisco General hospital, City and Co of San Francisco. She provided care to patients with TB, HIV/AIDS, the refugees at camp Pendleton and inmates at the local CA prisons. Sally retired from the City and County of San Francisco at the age of 50.

In her later years, we saw the woman that was slowly disappearing before us. Losing her memory, motor skills, and eventually her verbal skills, through all this though she never lost her smile. On Thursday, June 15th her smile was taken from us.

Thank you to the Staff at the Pacific Care Home, San Mateo especially Gina & Ferdie for their support, care and comfort over the past years.

 

Marge was known to all for her sweet and sincere demeanor.

Marge grew up in the Mission District of San Francisco she attended St. John’s grammar school and St. John’s High School where she met many life long friends. Marge went onto work for Met Life for several years before meeting the love of her life.

Marge met Conn Hagan and they were married in St. Paul’s Church on June 2, 1962. Their son Frank was born in 1963 and Marge and Conn moved to Holy Name Parish where they met their life long friends and next-door neighbors of 60 years Barbara and Tom O’Brien. Thanks to Barbara, Marge was introduced to See’s Candies, which created a life long bond between the two of them.

Marge dedicated her life to Conn, Frank and all of her family. Family was Marge’s entire world, and she loved spending time with Conn, Frank, Kerry, Connor& Daniel. She loved attending the boys games & many family parties.

She was a volunteer librarian at Holy Name School for many years, a den mother for the local Cub Scout group, volunteering countless hours on fundraisers assisting people in need. If you asked her for a loaf of Irish Soda Bread for a party, you got 8 loaves.

As a founding member of the United Cultural Center she spent countless enjoyable hours managing the 32/50 Club, which she would proudly say, paid off the mortgage on the Irish Center.

Very dear to Marge’s heart was her time spent volunteering at San Francisco General Hospital with her partner in crime Dolly Simmons. Due to a severe illness that forced her to spend a year in the hospital as a young woman, Marge always had a soft spot in her heart for people who were lonely and lost in the hospital. As a result of her 40 years as a volunteer, Marge was awarded the Hero’s and Hearts award in 2007 for her dedication & volunteerism to SFGH.

Marge will be missed by her loving family and friends. She is survived by her son Frank (Kerry) her grandson’s Connor (Haley Barker) and Daniel Hagan, her brother Frank (Wendy) Jordan, her in-laws Jim Hagan, Bill (Lily) Hagan, Anne Hagan, Elizabeth O’Hagan, Peggy Hagan, Maureen & Michael Murphy and many loving nieces and nephews.

Marge was preceded in death by her loving husband Conn and her cherished brother and sister in-law Jack & Patsy Jordan.

When meeting Marge you knew you had met the kindest, most caring person, and your life was better for it. Love of family, friends and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ are the values that Marge held most dear and passed onto her family.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caretakers and staff at Alma Via of S.F. for their gentle loving care over the last few years.

Tommy passed away holding the hand of his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret, on June 6, 2023 at the age of 80. Tommy was the loving father of Brian and Deirdre (Christian) and devoted grandfather of Aidan and Auggie. He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Margaret Kennedy, his sister Mary Holden, and his brothers Roger and Patrick. He is survived by his sister Alice O’Sullivan.

Tommy was born on March 26, 1943 in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland. Losing his mother when he was just 3 years old and his father at 7, he was raised by his great aunt and great uncle Alice and George Weeks. At the young age of 15, Tommy served in the Irish Army for three years under the auspices of the United Nations as a Peacekeeper in the Congo. Afterwards, he spent three years in London learning to be a baker. In 1964 at the age of 21, Tommy left for a new life in the United States with his best friend Nicky Ryan. Five years later, he proudly became an American citizen.

Tommy was a fantastic dancer, something that brought him to his soulmate, Margaret. In 1965, at the Carousel Ballroom on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, Tommy met Margaret Teahan. They married on October 14, 1967 and settled on 17th Avenue, next door to Margaret’s sister Mary, her husband John Joe, and their sons. Their union was one for the ages –– one of true love and respect, where they never left each other’s side even until the very end. Tommy was part of the Irish American community of San Francisco and a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Center. For 34 years, he was a proud member of the Bakers Union Local 24 where he served as Sergeant of Arms. Throughout the years he made many neighbors happy, bringing home warm sourdough bread. His greatest job was as father to Brian and Deirdre. He was a fun and playful dad who enjoyed playing sports and taking them on many adventures whether it be jet skiing, sledding, amusement parks, or creek-walking on warm vacation days.

Tommy was a true fighter in life and in his health – he miraculously beat the odds over and over again to stay with us as long as he could. We are thankful to his nephrologist, Dr. Leonid Yankulin, for over 20 years of excellent medical care and friendship.

We would like to thank family and friends for supporting Tommy in life and in his passing. He had a beautiful life, one he was very grateful for. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father. We will love and remember him forever.

 

Passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023, at the age of 96. Beloved husband of Mary; loving father of John (Dana), Peter, Colm (Zoilita), Brendan (Kathy), Thomas (Susan), Michael (Kathleen), Kevin (Julie); Caring grandfather of Connor, Riley, Marty, Sinéad, Julia, Jack, Sara, Kevin, Christopher, Brian, Michael, Joe, Sean, Jimmy, Con, Thomas, Liam, Maeve & Niall. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth McKeon, his sister Mary Ellen McGauran, and his brothers Tom and Rev. Michael. He is survived by his brothers, Jim and Raymond.

John was born on March 20, 1927 in Smear, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford, Ireland. Losing his mother when he was just 2 years old, John did his best to overcome adversity and hardship in life with a strong work ethic and a devout Catholic faith. After years of working the family farm, and four years in Dublin learning the carpentry trade, John left his beloved homeland in October 1955 for a new life in America.

A proud member of Carpenters Local Union 22, he worked all over San Francisco and knew every street, alley, and easement way before Google Maps. Like many Irish in San Francisco at the time, he frequented dance halls at St Mary’s Hospital, the 4th & Clement Dance and the infamous KRB. John soon met Mary Teahan and after a whirlwind 2-year courtship they married on March 3, 1962. They eventually settled on 17th Avenue in the Parkside, raising their seven sons together.

We would like to thank family & friends both near and far for the condolences sent over the past few days. We were so proud to hear phrases like “a true gentleman,” “an all-time great,” and “a fantastic father and grandfather” that were used to describe him. We agree. He will be greatly missed.

 

James “Buddy” O’Sullivan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023. Born in Tournafulla, Co. Limerick, Ireland, he first emigrated to Toledo, Ohio, with his family in 1962. After a few months, he moved to New York City for fourteen years before returning to Ireland in 1976. In 1983, Buddy moved back to the USA, this time settling in San Francisco. Buddy loved making frequent trips home to the ‘Slatehouse’ in Tournafulla, where he visited family and friends. He was always at Irish dance competitions all over the USA to watch and support his daughter Stephanie and grandkids compete. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed listening to Irish music. As a proud Limerick man, he was delighted to see the Limerick hurlers perform so well in recent years.

Buddy was predeceased by his parents James and Ellen O’Sullivan and his siblings Jack, Kitty, Jerry, Maureen, Nonie, and Topsy. He leaves behind his adoring wife Margaret of 64 years, son Jimmy (Shirley), daughters Cathy Viehweg (Craig), Marina Roche (Kevin), and Stephanie Reidy (Liam), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and numerous friends and family in Ireland.

Thank you to the staff of the Jewish Home and By the Bay Health for their support, care, and comfort during the past year.

Donations in Buddy’s memory can be made to the UICC 2025 Project.

Mary Louise McFadden was born in San Francisco to the late James and Artimise McKenna. She died peacefully at home at the age of 91. She lived her entire life in Noe Valley and graduated from Mission High School in 1949. She graduated Lone Mountain College and St. Mary’s nursing school in 1954. Soon after graduating nursing school she travelled Europe with her good friends, working as nurses, and it is there that she met her future husband Dr. Michael J. McFadden in Galway, Ireland. They married Oct 5, 1957 at St. Philip’s Church in Noe Valley where raised their family of ten kids.

Mary was a devout Catholic, avid reader, and loved crafts of all kinds. She held her friendships close to her throughout her life and enjoyed celebrating many shared family events.

She is preceded in death by her son Michael and her husband Dr. Michael McFadden. She is also preceded by her five brothers, Frank, James, Leo, George, and her twin brother Joe. All her brothers served in the US Military during wartime. James and Frank lost their lives in WWII and Joe lost his life in the Korean War. She is survived by nine of her ten children, Mary Catherine, Margaret, James (Maureen), Joe (Mary), Leo (Dymphna), Annie (Kieran), Monica (Willie), Patricia (John), Kathleen (Richard); twenty-four grandchildren, Michael Gregory, Maggie, Grace, Caroline, James, Michael Thomas, Mary Bridget (Molly), Ryan, Liam, Katie, Jack, Dylan, Winnie, Desi, Nathan, Miles, Torre, Jeremy, Monica, Jason, Caleb, Leo, Lydia, Elliot; two great-grandchildren, Theodore and Emmy Jo, with another expected in June and many McKenna/McFadden nephews, nieces and cousins in Northern California, San Diego, Scotland and Ireland.

She lived her life in faith and with kindness.

Margaret Mary (Cafferkey) Feeney lost her fight against cancer and was summoned by our Lord to Heaven on March 26, 2023 to join her sons who preceded her, Allen (2013) and Patrick (2021). Margaret passed peacefully at home with her best friend and husband, Robert Friederang, by her side.

Margaret was born May 18, 1942 in Ballycroy, County Mayo, Ireland to her late parents Anne (Togher) and James Cafferkey and was a loving sister of Michael (Aine), Frank (Maureen), Eileen O’Sullivan (Tony) and Liam (Theresa). Margaret is also survived by her uncle Willie Togher (Bridgie), and her aunt Maggie Ginty and her late uncle Michael’s widow, Ellen Togher, as well as many other family members.

Margaret emigrated from Ireland to the U.S. at the age of 17 and became fully immersed in the Irish American community of San Francisco throughout the rest of her life.

Margaret will always be remembered as the devoted and proud mother of John (Lynn), James (Carolina), Allen, Patrick (Mary) and Lena Feeney and loving grandmother to Steven, Kayleen, Michelle, Alycia, Patrick, Jamie, Elizabeth (Joe), Conor, Margaret and Alainnah (Carlanthony).

Margaret lived a very active life and her loss will be deeply felt by the multitude of friends and extended family members she touched during her life. Her home was always open to all and her joy of cooking and baking was shared with so many. She was truly an angel and found her calling taking care of her family as well as the many others she cared for throughout her life.

Margaret was a proud member of the United Irish Cultural Center, the Roses, the Red Hats and the Riordan Gals.

Our family wishes to sincerely thank Mission Hospice (Lydia, Kate, Rachel and Alona) and Amy of Be Active Be Well for taking such great care of Margaret and providing us with the gift of having her with us at home until her passing.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
May her holy soul be on the right side of God

Teresa McDonagh, passed away unexpectedly on October 14th, 2022. She has joined her beloved Brendan in heaven. Teresa was born in Balla, Co. Mayo, Ireland on June 28th, 1930. She was one of eight children, born to Brigid, RIP, and Michael Kerins, RIP. In 1950, she followed her sisters to St Albans, England, where she became a registered psychiatric nurse.
She loved dancing and met our father at a dance hall in Cricklewood, London, England. They were married on January 26th, 1957 and emigrated to San Francisco aboard the ship Neptunia. Teresa was a devoted wife and dearly missed Brendan, who passed away in 1986. They were a sight to see waltzing on the dance floor and even won a contest in her hometown of Balla in 1974.
She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and their accomplishments and might have been known to boast at times. Later in life, she enjoyed ballroom dancing around the Bay Area and socializing with her close group of friends, ‘The Roses.’ Every family occasion ended with a sing-along led by Grandma to her favorite Irish songs – songs that all the children and grandchildren came to love.

She was an active member of the Irish community in San Francisco for decades and a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Center. She was also a member of the Connacht and Ulster Club and volunteer at St. Ignatius College Preparatory and St. Gabriel’s Church.

She is survived by her four children, Sheila McDonagh, Marian (Tom) Cooper, Paul (Michelle) McDonagh, and Angela (Bill) Sicord. She was a doting grandmother to Stephanie Franceschi, Sara Cooper (Cam Smith), David Cooper, Kira Cooper, Madison McDonagh, Caitlin McDonagh, Megan Sicord, Fiona Sicord, and Liam Sicord. She was a great-grandmother to darling Malina. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Maisie Fox, Anne Conway, Bridie Williams, John Kerins, Tom Kerins, Michael Patrick Kerins, and Seamus Kerins. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
May her holy soul be on the right side of God

Mick Moloney legendary Irish American musician dies at 77

The Limerick-born musician, Mick Moloney, who was 77, had been honored by both the US Government with a National Heritage Award and by the Irish Government with their Presidential Distinguished Services Award for his services to Irish music and heritage.

He will be remembered as a great Irish musician. Paul Keating, a writer for Irish Central, wrote “As one of the pre-eminent folklorists in Irish American music history, Dr Mick Moloney has spent a lot of time in the 19th and 20th centuries studying aspects of performance, especially as it appeals to the Irish emigrant community in the United States. I am not sure anyone can juggle a roster of artists like he can in the series of shows he has been doing for the Irish Arts Center.”

For Mick it can truly be said:

ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís (there’ll never be the likes of him again).

Friday, January 7th, Thomas Clune passed away in his sleep, just two months shy of his 90th birthday. Tom was the dearly beloved father of Michelle Zauss (husband Robert Browne); beloved brother of John and Noreen (husband Ted); dear uncle of Sharon and Lucinda (and daughter Hannah); and loving cousin of Rosemary, Bridgette, and James. Tom came from the lovely village of Crusheen in County Clare. He also lived in Dublin, London, and Toronto, before landing in his beloved city of San Francisco in 1962. In 1976 Tom began work at the newly built United Irish Cultural Center and spent 35 years greeting everyone with his sly smile and that twinkle in his eye. He was many things during his long life, but at his core, he was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, a mentor, a demanding boss, an open ear to talk to, and a joker who always knew how to bring a smile to anyone’s face. He lived his life as we all should – with love, laughter, and being of service to those around him. Tommy will be dearly missed by the many lucky people who knew him.

We will come together to bid our final farewell and celebrate Tommy’s life on Friday, January 28th. Friends may visit between 9:30 am, and 10:00 am at St. Anne of the Sunset church, 850 Judah St., San Francisco. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am, and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Immediately following the mass, we will celebrate Tom’s life at the United Irish Cultural Center at 2700 45th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116 (12:30 pm – 4:30 pm). All friends and family are welcome to join. Proof of COVID vaccination (both shots of Pfizer/Modern and one shot of J&J) is required for entry. Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma will happen on Saturday the 29th at 1 pm with close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Michelle prefers donations in Tommy’s memory to the “Irish Center 2025 Project.” irishcenter2025.org. Tommy dedicated the majority of his working life to the Irish Center and would love to see it continue to flourish for many generations to come.

Our darling boy Brendan. Forever in our hearts. Brendan Patrick O’Connor passed away June 1, 2022. Brendan is survived by his mother, Elizabeth O’Connor; father & step-mother, John Kenneth & Sheila O’Connor; sister, Bridget Frances O’Connor; maternal grandparents Alphonse & Marinel Wilunowski, nee Price; and aunts, uncles & cousins in Ireland. Brendan is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Benjamin & Maureen O’Connor, nee Burke of Meelin, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Brendan was born on January 13, 1997 in San Francisco California, growing up in the West Portal neighborhood. He enjoyed a loving and rigorous education at St. Brendan School. Moving to Illinois in 2011, he graduated from Highland Park High School in 2015. Following graduation he returned to the San Francisco Bay Area to live and work, where he followed in his father’s footsteps as a welder.

Brendan had a gentle soul with a quiet demeanor and a kind heart. He will be dearly missed.

 

 

 

 

Sarah “Sally” nee Carlin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 15 , 2023. She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Connolly (Oliver Connolly), Colleen McDonnell (Donie O’Donovan); her grandchildren Kelsey, Nicole, Kennedy Connolly, and Daniel O’Donovan; her sister Maureen Crawford and many more much loved family and friends here, Ireland, and around the world.

Sally was born July 30th, 1935 to Charles and Elizabeth Carlin (McHugh) in Castlederg, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. She was the 7th of 9 children. Sally completed her nursing training in Omagh, Co. Tyrone and Liverpool, England, which in the years to come would prove to be invaluable to her.

In 1961, Sally and her love, Tommy McDonnell, arrived in San Francisco to her eldest sister, Susan. She arrived on a Friday and Susan had a new pair of work shoes waiting for her so she could start work on Monday. From there, she never looked back. Her younger brother, Harry, joined them in San Francisco shortly after that. The bond Sally, Susan and Harry formed over the decades was unwavering. She also remained close to her family in Ireland making trips home as often as possible and welcoming all that traveled to the states.

Sally’s strong family values, loyalty to friends, and devoted work ethic helped her navigate through life’s twists and turns… and there were many. She never ever forgot the welcome and hospitality that she received from friend and mentor Anne “Ma” Conway and Sally was always ready to help others in return.

Sally worked at Mary’s Help Hospital on Guerrero St., then moved to San Francisco General hospital, City and Co of San Francisco. She provided care to patients with TB, HIV/AIDS, the refugees at camp Pendleton and inmates at the local CA prisons. Sally retired from the City and County of San Francisco at the age of 50.

In her later years, we saw the woman that was slowly disappearing before us. Losing her memory, motor skills, and eventually her verbal skills, through all this though she never lost her smile. On Thursday, June 15th her smile was taken from us.

Thank you to the Staff at the Pacific Care Home, San Mateo especially Gina & Ferdie for their support, care and comfort over the past years.

 

Marge was known to all for her sweet and sincere demeanor.

Marge grew up in the Mission District of San Francisco she attended St. John’s grammar school and St. John’s High School where she met many life long friends. Marge went onto work for Met Life for several years before meeting the love of her life.

Marge met Conn Hagan and they were married in St. Paul’s Church on June 2, 1962. Their son Frank was born in 1963 and Marge and Conn moved to Holy Name Parish where they met their life long friends and next-door neighbors of 60 years Barbara and Tom O’Brien. Thanks to Barbara, Marge was introduced to See’s Candies, which created a life long bond between the two of them.

Marge dedicated her life to Conn, Frank and all of her family. Family was Marge’s entire world, and she loved spending time with Conn, Frank, Kerry, Connor& Daniel. She loved attending the boys games & many family parties.

She was a volunteer librarian at Holy Name School for many years, a den mother for the local Cub Scout group, volunteering countless hours on fundraisers assisting people in need. If you asked her for a loaf of Irish Soda Bread for a party, you got 8 loaves.

As a founding member of the United Cultural Center she spent countless enjoyable hours managing the 32/50 Club, which she would proudly say, paid off the mortgage on the Irish Center.

Very dear to Marge’s heart was her time spent volunteering at San Francisco General Hospital with her partner in crime Dolly Simmons. Due to a severe illness that forced her to spend a year in the hospital as a young woman, Marge always had a soft spot in her heart for people who were lonely and lost in the hospital. As a result of her 40 years as a volunteer, Marge was awarded the Hero’s and Hearts award in 2007 for her dedication & volunteerism to SFGH.

Marge will be missed by her loving family and friends. She is survived by her son Frank (Kerry) her grandson’s Connor (Haley Barker) and Daniel Hagan, her brother Frank (Wendy) Jordan, her in-laws Jim Hagan, Bill (Lily) Hagan, Anne Hagan, Elizabeth O’Hagan, Peggy Hagan, Maureen & Michael Murphy and many loving nieces and nephews.

Marge was preceded in death by her loving husband Conn and her cherished brother and sister in-law Jack & Patsy Jordan.

When meeting Marge you knew you had met the kindest, most caring person, and your life was better for it. Love of family, friends and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ are the values that Marge held most dear and passed onto her family.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caretakers and staff at Alma Via of S.F. for their gentle loving care over the last few years.

Tommy passed away holding the hand of his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret, on June 6, 2023 at the age of 80. Tommy was the loving father of Brian and Deirdre (Christian) and devoted grandfather of Aidan and Auggie. He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Margaret Kennedy, his sister Mary Holden, and his brothers Roger and Patrick. He is survived by his sister Alice O’Sullivan.

Tommy was born on March 26, 1943 in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland. Losing his mother when he was just 3 years old and his father at 7, he was raised by his great aunt and great uncle Alice and George Weeks. At the young age of 15, Tommy served in the Irish Army for three years under the auspices of the United Nations as a Peacekeeper in the Congo. Afterwards, he spent three years in London learning to be a baker. In 1964 at the age of 21, Tommy left for a new life in the United States with his best friend Nicky Ryan. Five years later, he proudly became an American citizen.

Tommy was a fantastic dancer, something that brought him to his soulmate, Margaret. In 1965, at the Carousel Ballroom on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, Tommy met Margaret Teahan. They married on October 14, 1967 and settled on 17th Avenue, next door to Margaret’s sister Mary, her husband John Joe, and their sons. Their union was one for the ages –– one of true love and respect, where they never left each other’s side even until the very end. Tommy was part of the Irish American community of San Francisco and a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Center. For 34 years, he was a proud member of the Bakers Union Local 24 where he served as Sergeant of Arms. Throughout the years he made many neighbors happy, bringing home warm sourdough bread. His greatest job was as father to Brian and Deirdre. He was a fun and playful dad who enjoyed playing sports and taking them on many adventures whether it be jet skiing, sledding, amusement parks, or creek-walking on warm vacation days.

Tommy was a true fighter in life and in his health – he miraculously beat the odds over and over again to stay with us as long as he could. We are thankful to his nephrologist, Dr. Leonid Yankulin, for over 20 years of excellent medical care and friendship.

We would like to thank family and friends for supporting Tommy in life and in his passing. He had a beautiful life, one he was very grateful for. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father. We will love and remember him forever.

 

Passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023, at the age of 96. Beloved husband of Mary; loving father of John (Dana), Peter, Colm (Zoilita), Brendan (Kathy), Thomas (Susan), Michael (Kathleen), Kevin (Julie); Caring grandfather of Connor, Riley, Marty, Sinéad, Julia, Jack, Sara, Kevin, Christopher, Brian, Michael, Joe, Sean, Jimmy, Con, Thomas, Liam, Maeve & Niall. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth McKeon, his sister Mary Ellen McGauran, and his brothers Tom and Rev. Michael. He is survived by his brothers, Jim and Raymond.

John was born on March 20, 1927 in Smear, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford, Ireland. Losing his mother when he was just 2 years old, John did his best to overcome adversity and hardship in life with a strong work ethic and a devout Catholic faith. After years of working the family farm, and four years in Dublin learning the carpentry trade, John left his beloved homeland in October 1955 for a new life in America.

A proud member of Carpenters Local Union 22, he worked all over San Francisco and knew every street, alley, and easement way before Google Maps. Like many Irish in San Francisco at the time, he frequented dance halls at St Mary’s Hospital, the 4th & Clement Dance and the infamous KRB. John soon met Mary Teahan and after a whirlwind 2-year courtship they married on March 3, 1962. They eventually settled on 17th Avenue in the Parkside, raising their seven sons together.

We would like to thank family & friends both near and far for the condolences sent over the past few days. We were so proud to hear phrases like “a true gentleman,” “an all-time great,” and “a fantastic father and grandfather” that were used to describe him. We agree. He will be greatly missed.

 

James “Buddy” O’Sullivan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023. Born in Tournafulla, Co. Limerick, Ireland, he first emigrated to Toledo, Ohio, with his family in 1962. After a few months, he moved to New York City for fourteen years before returning to Ireland in 1976. In 1983, Buddy moved back to the USA, this time settling in San Francisco. Buddy loved making frequent trips home to the ‘Slatehouse’ in Tournafulla, where he visited family and friends. He was always at Irish dance competitions all over the USA to watch and support his daughter Stephanie and grandkids compete. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed listening to Irish music. As a proud Limerick man, he was delighted to see the Limerick hurlers perform so well in recent years.

Buddy was predeceased by his parents James and Ellen O’Sullivan and his siblings Jack, Kitty, Jerry, Maureen, Nonie, and Topsy. He leaves behind his adoring wife Margaret of 64 years, son Jimmy (Shirley), daughters Cathy Viehweg (Craig), Marina Roche (Kevin), and Stephanie Reidy (Liam), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and numerous friends and family in Ireland.

Thank you to the staff of the Jewish Home and By the Bay Health for their support, care, and comfort during the past year.

Donations in Buddy’s memory can be made to the UICC 2025 Project.

Mary Louise McFadden was born in San Francisco to the late James and Artimise McKenna. She died peacefully at home at the age of 91. She lived her entire life in Noe Valley and graduated from Mission High School in 1949. She graduated Lone Mountain College and St. Mary’s nursing school in 1954. Soon after graduating nursing school she travelled Europe with her good friends, working as nurses, and it is there that she met her future husband Dr. Michael J. McFadden in Galway, Ireland. They married Oct 5, 1957 at St. Philip’s Church in Noe Valley where raised their family of ten kids.

Mary was a devout Catholic, avid reader, and loved crafts of all kinds. She held her friendships close to her throughout her life and enjoyed celebrating many shared family events.

She is preceded in death by her son Michael and her husband Dr. Michael McFadden. She is also preceded by her five brothers, Frank, James, Leo, George, and her twin brother Joe. All her brothers served in the US Military during wartime. James and Frank lost their lives in WWII and Joe lost his life in the Korean War. She is survived by nine of her ten children, Mary Catherine, Margaret, James (Maureen), Joe (Mary), Leo (Dymphna), Annie (Kieran), Monica (Willie), Patricia (John), Kathleen (Richard); twenty-four grandchildren, Michael Gregory, Maggie, Grace, Caroline, James, Michael Thomas, Mary Bridget (Molly), Ryan, Liam, Katie, Jack, Dylan, Winnie, Desi, Nathan, Miles, Torre, Jeremy, Monica, Jason, Caleb, Leo, Lydia, Elliot; two great-grandchildren, Theodore and Emmy Jo, with another expected in June and many McKenna/McFadden nephews, nieces and cousins in Northern California, San Diego, Scotland and Ireland.

She lived her life in faith and with kindness.

Margaret Mary (Cafferkey) Feeney lost her fight against cancer and was summoned by our Lord to Heaven on March 26, 2023 to join her sons who preceded her, Allen (2013) and Patrick (2021). Margaret passed peacefully at home with her best friend and husband, Robert Friederang, by her side.

Margaret was born May 18, 1942 in Ballycroy, County Mayo, Ireland to her late parents Anne (Togher) and James Cafferkey and was a loving sister of Michael (Aine), Frank (Maureen), Eileen O’Sullivan (Tony) and Liam (Theresa). Margaret is also survived by her uncle Willie Togher (Bridgie), and her aunt Maggie Ginty and her late uncle Michael’s widow, Ellen Togher, as well as many other family members.

Margaret emigrated from Ireland to the U.S. at the age of 17 and became fully immersed in the Irish American community of San Francisco throughout the rest of her life.

Margaret will always be remembered as the devoted and proud mother of John (Lynn), James (Carolina), Allen, Patrick (Mary) and Lena Feeney and loving grandmother to Steven, Kayleen, Michelle, Alycia, Patrick, Jamie, Elizabeth (Joe), Conor, Margaret and Alainnah (Carlanthony).

Margaret lived a very active life and her loss will be deeply felt by the multitude of friends and extended family members she touched during her life. Her home was always open to all and her joy of cooking and baking was shared with so many. She was truly an angel and found her calling taking care of her family as well as the many others she cared for throughout her life.

Margaret was a proud member of the United Irish Cultural Center, the Roses, the Red Hats and the Riordan Gals.

Our family wishes to sincerely thank Mission Hospice (Lydia, Kate, Rachel and Alona) and Amy of Be Active Be Well for taking such great care of Margaret and providing us with the gift of having her with us at home until her passing.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
May her holy soul be on the right side of God

Teresa McDonagh, passed away unexpectedly on October 14th, 2022. She has joined her beloved Brendan in heaven. Teresa was born in Balla, Co. Mayo, Ireland on June 28th, 1930. She was one of eight children, born to Brigid, RIP, and Michael Kerins, RIP. In 1950, she followed her sisters to St Albans, England, where she became a registered psychiatric nurse.
She loved dancing and met our father at a dance hall in Cricklewood, London, England. They were married on January 26th, 1957 and emigrated to San Francisco aboard the ship Neptunia. Teresa was a devoted wife and dearly missed Brendan, who passed away in 1986. They were a sight to see waltzing on the dance floor and even won a contest in her hometown of Balla in 1974.
She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and their accomplishments and might have been known to boast at times. Later in life, she enjoyed ballroom dancing around the Bay Area and socializing with her close group of friends, ‘The Roses.’ Every family occasion ended with a sing-along led by Grandma to her favorite Irish songs – songs that all the children and grandchildren came to love.

She was an active member of the Irish community in San Francisco for decades and a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Center. She was also a member of the Connacht and Ulster Club and volunteer at St. Ignatius College Preparatory and St. Gabriel’s Church.

She is survived by her four children, Sheila McDonagh, Marian (Tom) Cooper, Paul (Michelle) McDonagh, and Angela (Bill) Sicord. She was a doting grandmother to Stephanie Franceschi, Sara Cooper (Cam Smith), David Cooper, Kira Cooper, Madison McDonagh, Caitlin McDonagh, Megan Sicord, Fiona Sicord, and Liam Sicord. She was a great-grandmother to darling Malina. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Maisie Fox, Anne Conway, Bridie Williams, John Kerins, Tom Kerins, Michael Patrick Kerins, and Seamus Kerins. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
May her holy soul be on the right side of God

Mick Moloney legendary Irish American musician dies at 77

The Limerick-born musician, Mick Moloney, who was 77, had been honored by both the US Government with a National Heritage Award and by the Irish Government with their Presidential Distinguished Services Award for his services to Irish music and heritage.

He will be remembered as a great Irish musician. Paul Keating, a writer for Irish Central, wrote “As one of the pre-eminent folklorists in Irish American music history, Dr Mick Moloney has spent a lot of time in the 19th and 20th centuries studying aspects of performance, especially as it appeals to the Irish emigrant community in the United States. I am not sure anyone can juggle a roster of artists like he can in the series of shows he has been doing for the Irish Arts Center.”

For Mick it can truly be said:

ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís (there’ll never be the likes of him again).

Friday, January 7th, Thomas Clune passed away in his sleep, just two months shy of his 90th birthday. Tom was the dearly beloved father of Michelle Zauss (husband Robert Browne); beloved brother of John and Noreen (husband Ted); dear uncle of Sharon and Lucinda (and daughter Hannah); and loving cousin of Rosemary, Bridgette, and James. Tom came from the lovely village of Crusheen in County Clare. He also lived in Dublin, London, and Toronto, before landing in his beloved city of San Francisco in 1962. In 1976 Tom began work at the newly built United Irish Cultural Center and spent 35 years greeting everyone with his sly smile and that twinkle in his eye. He was many things during his long life, but at his core, he was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, a mentor, a demanding boss, an open ear to talk to, and a joker who always knew how to bring a smile to anyone’s face. He lived his life as we all should – with love, laughter, and being of service to those around him. Tommy will be dearly missed by the many lucky people who knew him.

We will come together to bid our final farewell and celebrate Tommy’s life on Friday, January 28th. Friends may visit between 9:30 am, and 10:00 am at St. Anne of the Sunset church, 850 Judah St., San Francisco. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am, and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Immediately following the mass, we will celebrate Tom’s life at the United Irish Cultural Center at 2700 45th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116 (12:30 pm – 4:30 pm). All friends and family are welcome to join. Proof of COVID vaccination (both shots of Pfizer/Modern and one shot of J&J) is required for entry. Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma will happen on Saturday the 29th at 1 pm with close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Michelle prefers donations in Tommy’s memory to the “Irish Center 2025 Project.” irishcenter2025.org. Tommy dedicated the majority of his working life to the Irish Center and would love to see it continue to flourish for many generations to come.

Our darling boy Brendan. Forever in our hearts. Brendan Patrick O’Connor passed away June 1, 2022. Brendan is survived by his mother, Elizabeth O’Connor; father & step-mother, John Kenneth & Sheila O’Connor; sister, Bridget Frances O’Connor; maternal grandparents Alphonse & Marinel Wilunowski, nee Price; and aunts, uncles & cousins in Ireland. Brendan is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Benjamin & Maureen O’Connor, nee Burke of Meelin, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Brendan was born on January 13, 1997 in San Francisco California, growing up in the West Portal neighborhood. He enjoyed a loving and rigorous education at St. Brendan School. Moving to Illinois in 2011, he graduated from Highland Park High School in 2015. Following graduation he returned to the San Francisco Bay Area to live and work, where he followed in his father’s footsteps as a welder.

Brendan had a gentle soul with a quiet demeanor and a kind heart. He will be dearly missed.