Doris R. Brosnan

About

Sewanhaka High School University of California San Diego

Doris Brosnan Obituary

BROSNAN - Doris R., born September 4, 1916, passed away September 12, 2008. Loving mother of William and Jeffrey, devoted grandmother of Andrew. A Renaissance Woman for the ages. Brilliant, worldly, well-read, introspective, opinionated, stubborn with a heart of gold. Her Sewanhaka High School students will never forget their American History or Problem of Democracy classes. The last three and a half decades of retirement in San Diego were busy with her co-founding the Institute of Continued Learning at UCSD, play-reader for the Old Globe Theater and past president of the La Jolla chapter of the National Kidney Foundation. Numerous lives were touched with love. Services private. Donations may be made to Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund.

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Published by Newsday on Sep. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Brosnan

11 Entries

Betty Lm

June 10, 2025

Diane Estus

October 21, 2008

Dear Doris,
We're never ready to lose a good friend. With your passing there's a huge void in my life that no one else can fill. You've been like family to us for over 30 years! We will miss your caring ways, knowledge, sharing ideas, good books, theatre and every day happenings we loved to discuss with you. It's painful to drive down Genesee Ave. and think that you are no longer living in your condo. I love to reminisce about some of our conversations, in the bookstore days. The most important thing was finding the right book to send to Andrew (weekly) from his early childhood and on through out his adult life! What a mutual admiration existed between grandson and grandmother. If I ever wanted to put a smile on your face—I'd ask what's new with Bill or Jeffrey ?
Until we meet again.....Love and thanks for the memories.

Diane Estus

Doug Hackett

October 6, 2008

Mrs. B was was homeroom teacher at Sewanhaka, and lovingly "adopted" me when my mother died, asking how things were going, caring about me, and keeping me focused on school. She had a very great positive and beneficial impact on my life. I loved and respected her, and will always remember her.
Doug Hackett
Sewanhaka, class of 1957
CDR, USN, (ret)

Mindy & Gary Spiroch

September 26, 2008

Bill,
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. Our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family at this tine of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort.

Doris at 88

September 24, 2008

Steve Latimer

September 24, 2008

Doris was my teacher, my mentor and my very very good friend. She is in large part responsible for where I am today, For example:- (her favorite classroom expression) after I gave a report in her American History class, she suggested that I think about law school. I did and the rest as they say is history.

We renewed our relationship eleven years ago, teacher/student and friend. I am so happy that we did.

As the obituary says, she was stubborn, opiniated and a Great Lady. I love her and shall miss her greatly.

Joan Azar

September 23, 2008

Doris was a force to be reckoned with. As a friend, I appreciated her interest in stimulating my mind, as a neighbor I appreciated her interest in improving the look of the neighborhood, as a committee member with her on the condominium association board, I appreciated her dedication to making the association's governing documents clear and correct.
Her influence was profound. I shall miss her.

Tony & Christine Mustapich

September 23, 2008

Doris was our teacher at Sewanhaka HS in New York in the 50's; and she remained our friend, teacher, parental figure and mentor for the past 40+ years. She was one of a kind and we will miss her presence, our weekly conversations covering all topics; and frequent visits. Going to San Diego will never be the same without her being there.

Betty Lum

September 21, 2008

What a wonderful loving good friend & neighbor who cared & taught me so much. Doris will always be in my heart.

Andrew Brosnan

September 21, 2008

As Doris was not an adherent to the belief in a traditional afterlife, I am comforted by imagining her molecules dispersing throughout the universe, either allowing her to let go peacefully or to collide with other molecules, spreading her influence and wisdom. She will always be a part of me and therefore continue to spread her teachings to others.

September 21, 2008

I REMEMBER!
REST IN PEACE.

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