Bernadette Brehm

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bernadette Brehm, 94, on October 23, 2025. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland, on March 12, 1931, Bernadette was named after St. Bernadette of Lourdes. She grew up on her family's farm alongside her five siblings. From a young age, Bernadette exhibited a spirit of independence and adventure. In 1950, at the age of 19, she left Ireland for New York City, on the S.S. America. She joined her older sister, Elizabeth, and her Aunt Lee in Queens, NY. It was a bold move that would define the rest of her life.
Bernadette worked as an au pair and later as a bookkeeper at A&P Supermarkets, sending money home to her parents to help modernize their family home. After becoming a U.S. citizen, she enjoyed a fulfilling life surrounded by a close-knit group of friends, traveling to Lake George and attending Broadway shows.
Bernadette's life took a new turn when she met the love of her life, Harold Brehm. They were married at Harold's family summer home on Lake Lookover, Hewitt, NJ, where their love story had begun. Together, they made a home in Murray Hill, NJ, and raised two daughters, Felicia and Cynthia.
When Harold was later diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, Bernadette's strength and grace were profoundly tested. She cared for her husband, her mother-in-law, and her young daughters with unwavering devotion, guided always by her deep faith in Mother Mary. After Harold's passing, Bernadette continued to embrace life with courage and optimism, creating joyful memories for her family, including cross-country adventures filled with laughter and love.
Years later, Bernadette met Theodore Denman, with whom she shared a loving companionship. They built a happy life together in Morristown, NJ. Ted was like a stepfather to Felicia and Cindy and quickly became part of the family. During this time, Bernadette managed a vintage clothing store, where her keen eye for unique finds and her love of people made her work truly special.
Bernadette's heart was forever captured by the arrival of her granddaughter, Elizabeth. She devoted herself to caring for Liz in the early months of her life, cherishing every moment they spent together. Of all the blessings in her life, none brought Bernadette more joy than watching her granddaughter grow up.
Though she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2007, Bernadette continued to face life with strength and grace.
After Ted's passing, Bernadette moved to the Jersey Shore to live with her daughter, Felicia, and her family. Despite her illness, she remained active and full of life- enjoying the outdoors, sitting on the porch or sharing a mini-happy hour on the patio. She savored her daily glass of red wine or a comforting cup of tea, with her loving beagle, Cleo, always at her feet.
Bernadette's example of strength when times got challenging, her determination and her positivity are a gift to her children and is her legacy. Her strong religious faith, particularly her deep devotion to Mother Mary, much like St. Bernadette's, was a source of strength during difficult times. Bernadette always acted with grace and dignity, as Mother Mary, herself, did. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Bernadette was predeceased by her beloved husband Harold, who passed away on the same date 47 years before, and is survived by their children Felicia (Joe) and Cindy (Steve); granddaughter Liz, as well as her sister Margaret Scollan, sister-in-law Anita Doherty and many wonderful nieces and nephews including James, John (2020), Barbara, Mary-Liz, Elizabeth, Niall, Killian, Francis, Conor, Ceara, Mairead, Anne, Kathy, Sheila, and Caroline. In addition to her parents, Michael and Elizabeth Doherty, Bernadette was predeceased in death by her brothers Tom and John Doherty and her sisters Mai Coffey and Elizabeth Simmons. She was also predeceased by her companion, Ted Denman.
A special gratitude is extended to Bernadette's Eucharistic Minister, Maureen, and her dedicated caregivers, Carlene, Lori, and Joanne.
In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research give.michaeljfox.org
Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, Summit, NJ summitdominicans.org.