Ethel M. Brogan, 85, a resident of Fishkill since 1950, died at home on October 5, 2011. Born in the City of Armagh, Northern Ireland on January 25, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Winifred Mathews. In 1946, she emigrated to the United States and lived in NYC and immediately joined the New York Gaelic Society, where she met William (Bill) Brogan. On April 15, 1950, they were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on W. 142 St. NYC.
Ethel was a proponent of Irish culture and heritage, and devoted her life to sharing and teaching the country's language and traditions. The N.Y. Gaelic Society supplied two Gaelic teachers plus many attendees for the first "Immersion Weekend". In 1981, she founded Daltai Na Gaeilge (Students of the Irish Language), an organization dedicated to promoting and teaching Irish. Throughout North America, her students have returned home and established their own programs based on Ethel's model of teaching. Ethel has received commendations from the President of Ireland, NY Senators and Congressmen for her devotion and dedication of her teachings of the Irish language. Her proficiency in the language lead to her teaching courses at Vassar College. She was also a member of the Kevin Barry Irish Club, where she served several terms as President and Secretary; also member of Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Bronx Gaelic League. Ethel was involved in Project Children, a group that sponsors summer Holiday for children from Northern Ireland. She was past Grand Marshall and served on the Dutchess County St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee Inc. since its inception 17 years ago. She also served on the committee for Celtic Day at Mills Mansion, and was past President & Secretary of the Empire Saluki Club. Ethel served as a Leader for the Girl Scouts and was a member of the Senior Citizen Exercise Group in Fishkill. She worked several years as a Teachers Assistant for WCSD. Ethel was a devout member of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill and former member of St. Joseph's Church in Millbrook.
Ethel is survived by her husband Bill at home; her son, Patrick Brogan of Oceanside, CA; her daughter, Brigid Nussbickel & her husband Wayne of Millbrook; her son, Brendan Brogan & his wife Heidi of Fishkill; her grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as "Beba", Stephanie Cunningham & her husband Brendan, Breanna Nussbickel, and Tara, Colin & Ryan Brogan.
Ethel was predeceased by her grandson, Michael J. Brogan and her brother, John Mathews, both in June 1990.
The family would like to especially thank Ethel's home nurse, Hafsatu.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill. Interment will follow in Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of Ethel Brogan to Daltai Na Gaeilge Scholarship Fund, 279 Park Ave., Elberon, NJ 07740 or St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill.
For driving directions and online condolences, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.