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September 16, 2023
Bridget Patricia McGonigle, known affectionately as "Pat," passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 16, 2023. She was 93 years old, although she would much prefer to be described as 93 years -- or even 39 years! -- young.
Pat's rich and vibrant life straddled two continents. She was both a Derry girl and a Jersey girl, with a touch of Manhattan thrown in the mix.
Pat was born in Ballerin, County Derry, Northern Ireland, on March 31st, 1930. She was raised on a dairy farm in nearby Garvagh. The daughter of Ellen and John McGonigle, Pat was the second youngest of eight children. She is survived by her sister, Sally, and pre-deceased by her brothers and sisters Rose, Mary, Paddy, Annie, Jimmy and John.
Pat's extended family made lives in Ireland, England and America, but the heart-home was always Derry where Pat returned several times over the course of her days.
She started her working life in Stormont, Northern Ireland, one of the few young Catholic women allowed to work in the government buildings. She enjoyed her years in the North immensely, but was drawn by the siren song of America. She emigrated in her 20's to join her sisters Rose and Mary who had already established lives Stateside. She worked in the ArchDiocese of New York for many years before she went to work for the prestigious architectural firm Swanke, Hayden and Connell. She lived in New York City very happily until her retirement.
Pat was always beautifully turned out with impeccable make-up and an incredible fashion sense right up until her last days. She loved life and had many friends who stood by her, especially the extended McNicholl/Ralph family in New Jersey and New York. Mary Ralph (nee McNicholl) in particular became a lifetime friend. They travelled together and shared memories of growing up in Derry. Pat was also very close with Mary's children, Deirdre, Colleen and Colm, and their families too.
Pat was a vibrant soul in the environs of Sienna Village in Wayne, always good for a long and animated conversation. She had several good friends who will miss her presence. Hers was a beautiful laugh that lit up many corners of the world.
She had no children but had a very active social life. She was always at the center of the party. In the words of her niece, Siobhan McCann: "Pat had a great affinity for the male of the species, but never married."
All of her nephews and nieces and their extended families had a fond and loving relationship with her, with many of them from Ireland and England flying out to see her when they could. She was also very proud of her relationship with her great-niece Cheryl Downing and her husband Dan, and their family. Cheryl and Dan spent many hours with her during her recent illness. Pat cherished her time with them and shared many fine memories with them.
She also liked to be regaled with songs and stories, and her nephew Colum spent some time in her last years teaching her the words of old songs, not least her favourite "Mountains of Mourne," as sung by Don McLean.
Pat was a lady who would never advertise her age. She looked as if she had prepped herself in the fountain of youth. She had always wanted to be thought of as the youngest family member even though she had a brother John who was two years behind her. Pat believed that she deserved to be spoiled in the best possible way. She loved to dine out and have a little gin and tonic which only added to her vibrant personality.
She will be sorely missed. An old Irish phrase still rings around her memory: "I líonta Dé go gcastar sinn," meaning that in the nets of Our Lord we are entangled together.
May she rest in peace. And may her influence enter the air.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Bridget's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
September 16, 2023
Bridget Patricia McGonigle, known affectionately as "Pat," passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 16, 2023. She was 93 years old, although she would much prefer to be described as 93 years -- or even 39 years! -- young.
Pat's rich and vibrant life straddled two continents. She was both a Derry girl and a Jersey girl, with a touch of Manhattan thrown in the mix.
Pat was born in Ballerin, County Derry, Northern Ireland, on March 31st, 1930. She was raised on a dairy farm in nearby Garvagh. The daughter of Ellen and John McGonigle, Pat was the second youngest of eight children. She is survived by her sister, Sally, and pre-deceased by her brothers and sisters Rose, Mary, Paddy, Annie, Jimmy and John.
Pat's extended family made lives in Ireland, England and America, but the heart-home was always Derry where Pat returned several times over the course of her days.
She started her working life in Stormont, Northern Ireland, one of the few young Catholic women allowed to work in the government buildings. She enjoyed her years in the North immensely, but was drawn by the siren song of America. She emigrated in her 20's to join her sisters Rose and Mary who had already established lives Stateside. She worked in the ArchDiocese of New York for many years before she went to work for the prestigious architectural firm Swanke, Hayden and Connell. She lived in New York City very happily until her retirement.
Pat was always beautifully turned out with impeccable make-up and an incredible fashion sense right up until her last days. She loved life and had many friends who stood by her, especially the extended McNicholl/Ralph family in New Jersey and New York. Mary Ralph (nee McNicholl) in particular became a lifetime friend. They travelled together and shared memories of growing up in Derry. Pat was also very close with Mary's children, Deirdre, Colleen and Colm, and their families too.
Pat was a vibrant soul in the environs of Sienna Village in Wayne, always good for a long and animated conversation. She had several good friends who will miss her presence. Hers was a beautiful laugh that lit up many corners of the world.
She had no children but had a very active social life. She was always at the center of the party. In the words of her niece, Siobhan McCann: "Pat had a great affinity for the male of the species, but never married."
All of her nephews and nieces and their extended families had a fond and loving relationship with her, with many of them from Ireland and England flying out to see her when they could. She was also very proud of her relationship with her great-niece Cheryl Downing and her husband Dan, and their family. Cheryl and Dan spent many hours with her during her recent illness. Pat cherished her time with them and shared many fine memories with them.
She also liked to be regaled with songs and stories, and her nephew Colum spent some time in her last years teaching her the words of old songs, not least her favourite "Mountains of Mourne," as sung by Don McLean.
Pat was a lady who would never advertise her age. She looked as if she had prepped herself in the fountain of youth. She had always wanted to be thought of as the youngest family member even though she had a brother John who was two years behind her. Pat believed that she deserved to be spoiled in the best possible way. She loved to dine out and have a little gin and tonic which only added to her vibrant personality.
She will be sorely missed. An old Irish phrase still rings around her memory: "I líonta Dé go gcastar sinn," meaning that in the nets of Our Lord we are entangled together.
May she rest in peace. And may her influence enter the air.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Bridget's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
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