Margaret J. Brennan (nee Galligan), “Margie”, 87, of Norwood, formerly of Bergenfield, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Beloved wife of the late James P. Brennan. Cherished mother of James and wife Terri of Narragansett, RI, Patrick and wife Nancy of Las Vegas, NV, George and wife Virginia of Havertown, PA and Maryanne Dillon and her husband Thomas of Ramsey. Proud and devoted grandmother of James, Thomas, Kieran, Aleen, Maggie and Brigit. Dearest daughter of the late Bernard (County Cavan) and Kitty Galligan (County Mayo) and sister of Thomas Galligan and the late Kay Collins and Mary Ruehl.
Margie grew up on 133rd Street in Vinegar Hill, later moving to 175th Street in Washington Heights. She often shared fond memories of growing up with her cousins in New York’s Irish neighborhoods. She graduated from Father Young Academy and worked at Manufacturer’s Trust, where she caught the eye of a young Jimmy Brennan. They married in 1959 and bought their first home in Bergenfield, NJ where they spent the next thirty years raising their family. Jim and Margie were active parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Church.
Margie was a teacher’s aide at Mt. Carmel School in Tenafly for over 30 years. She also was co-owner of the Bergenfield School of Irish Dancing, where she taught hundreds of children to dance for over 40 years. She later enjoyed teaching adults to dance at Fox Hill in Norwood. Her love of Irish music, dancing, and culture were central in her life, and she took great joy in keeping these traditions alive in the next generation, as well as in her own.
In their later years, Margie and Jim moved to Norwood, NJ and joined St. Anthony’s parish in Northvale, NJ. They enjoyed their time living at Fox Hill Manor, where they kept busy on committees organizing the various holiday parties.
Margie will be dearly missed by her many family members and friends, but her spirit, love and laughter lives on. Slán go fóill!
Visiting hours are Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050, www.pizzifuneralhome.com ). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah.
The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the livestream link below:
https://boxcast.tv/channel/margaret-j-brennan-funeral-mass-bkjuy9wl90lxnzgohki5
In lieu of flowers, donations in Margie’s memory may be made to Covenant House in New York City https://ny.covenanthouse.org .
A True Friend , and a constant source of love, and encouragement .. You will be greatly missed by all of us.
Such fond memories of the Bergenfield Irish Dancing School! May you rest in peace, Margie. Jackie Holmes Daly
A wonderful, kind and generous person. Aunt Marge was a joy to be around and her smile and laugh were truly infectious. Raised a great family with Jimmy and was, in her own words to me and surely true, an awesome grandmother! She had a life well lived and she will be missed by all those who loved her.
Oh dear Margie. You will be missed by so many. You were a kind friend to Mom at Foxhill.
Our condolences to your family.
May you be at peace.
Our sincere condolences to James, Pat, George and Maryanne and to the extended family on the sad passing of your dear mother, Margie.
I had the privilege of spending time with her during a recent visit and I was delighted to have been in her company. She was generous, empathetic and loving to us all. She enjoyed the craic too! Our thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.
Noel, Caroline, Lisa, Brian, Clodagh and Aoibhinn Meehan
Waterford, Ireland.
Margie was a recent participant in Foxhill’s Yoga Class. Recently, we would meet up for First Friday Mass at OLV in Harrington
Park. I will always remember those bright and shining blue eyes. They had a mischievous hint to them! It was evident that
Margie loved movement and music. I will miss her and what she brought to our Yoga class! Peace, Margie! I know you will bring enjoyment to those you are with now!!
Rest in Peace, Margie. I will always remember you, Jimmy, and the family visiting in Bergenfield. And what a joy to reconnect at your home in Norwood before my move to Florida. You were always so welcoming and kind. And now you and Jimmy are reunited, you will be missed by many, but many are happy to be with you once again! ☘️