Breda O'Shea

Breda Brosnan was born on May 22, 1931 in Annascaul, County Kerry, Ireland. Breda went to Our Lord on September 20, 2021 in Santa Rosa, CA.

Breda & Tomas grew up in the same village of Annascaul, County Kerry, Ireland. After graduation they went their separate ways, though Tomas tried to keep in touch with calls & letters from Cobh, County Cork. Breda preferred to stay in Ireland when Tomas immigrated to the US in 1955. They met up again in May 1957, & were married on October 12, 1957. They settled in Oakland, CA. Breda & Tomas celebrated more than 63 years of marriage.

Breda became a naturalized citizen on May 15, 1964. Breda earned an AA degree from Merritt College in May 1980.

Breda & Tomas have three children: Maureen O’Shea, Michael O’Shea, and Anne Levy.

Breda is survived by her three children, grandson Brendan Ballaire, grandchildren Taylor Levy, Ryan Levy, in-laws Patricia Brosnan, Eileen Moriarty, Brendan O’Shea, Michael O’Shea (Bernadette), the McCarthy family, numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand nephews. Breda leaves behind long-time friends Earlene, Juanita, Connie, & countless others.

Breda was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Tomas. Her parents Jo Hanna (nee O’Sullivan) and Patrick Brosnan; siblings Sean Brosnan (Eileen), Patrick Brosnan, Hannah Mary Smithwick (John), Kathleen Brosnan, Thomas Brosnan (Muriel), William Brosnan, & Agnes Hannigan (Donal). In-laws Sean & Kitty O’Shea, Maureen & Eamon Forristal, Donal Moriarty, Joan O’Shea, and many friends including Jack and Mary McCarthy.

Breda retired in October 1992 from a florist shop. Upon their retirement Breda & Tomas moved to Sebastopol, CA.

Breda & Tomas enjoyed many years of square dancing both in the Bay Area & Santa Rosa, long walks to & through Ragle Park, & hosting coffee after mass for many of their friends & neighbors.

Breda & Tomas enjoyed many vacations & elder hostel tours including a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Places they vacationed to include: Ireland, England, New Zealand, Australia, Nova Scotia, New England to see the fall colors, Hawaii, & the Grand Canyon. A train trip across Canada was done over two summers. Cruises included 30-days on the Mediterranean, the inside passage to Alaska, & a Danube River Cruise.

Breda was a social butterfly. Breda was loved by so very many. Breda was kind, good, loving, and funny. Breda cared deeply for everyone.