SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Eileen Brophy, 91, went peacefully into the arms of the Lord December 2, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, surrounded by her children: Regina (Jeanie) Tate (Ralph) of Middle Grove; Dennis Brophy (Patricia) of Sag Harbor; Rosemary Brophy of Queensbury; Lauretta (Laurie) Buscaino (Anthony) of Massapequa Park; Kevin Brophy (Kathleen) of Syosset; with some cousins and grandchildren.
Mary was born February 10, 1922 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.
She was predeceased by her beloved parents: Charles and Eileen Dempsey; her beloved sister Elizabeth (Betty) Rainey; her brother-in-laws: John Rainey, Joseph Knapp, and James Egan; and her sister-in-law Beatrice Brophy, all of New Jersey. She is also predeceased by her beloved husband Vincent, daughter Patricia, and son Joseph.
In addition to her children, she is survived by her beloved sisters Helen Knapp of Boonton, New Jersey and Noreen Ward (Leo) of Little Falls, New Jersey, as well as her beloved brother-in-law Timothy Brophy (Marie) of Little Falls and beloved sister-in-law Eileen Egan of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
Mary left behind 33 nieces and nephews, 17 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mary was a deeply religious Catholic and belonged to the Legion of Mary, the Rosary Altar Society, and the Right to Life movement. She was also a member of the Lay Order of Carmelites. She and her husband were founding members of Holy Family Church in Hicksville, where she served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister while living in Westbury. She moved to Leisure Village in Ridge, where she also became a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mark’s Church. She left Ridge to move to Saratoga Springs, where she attended St. Clement’s Church.
Other organizations she was a member of were Daughters of America and the American Legion. Mary proudly served her country as a Technician, Fifth Grade, in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) while her husband served in the Army.
Mary loved to sing and always had a smile on her face. She was laid to rest at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, after a mass of Christian Burial was performed at Holy Family Church. Mass was officiated by her longtime friend, Msgr. Domenick Graziadio of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Plainview, NY. All her children, grand daughters, and some grandsons wore reds scarves in honor of her love for the color red. Her wake was honored with an honor guard from Syosset Volunteer Fire Department, and prayers said by her Carmalite Sisters. Her funeral ceremony included the presentation of an American Flag to her oldest daughter. Her grandson Andrew Brophy in Army uniform, and grandson Michael Dean Brophy acted as Honor Guard. Andrew presented the flag while a representative from the Armed Forces played Day Is Done on the Bugle. Bagpipes played also to honor her deep pride in being Irish.
Anyone who might wish to commemorate Mary’s life may make a donation to St. Clement’s, St. Mark’s, or Holy Family c/o Jeanie Tate, 6302 Jockey St., Middle Grove, NY 12850.
Special thanks to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Staff, for their kind, caring, patient, and thorough care during Mary’s many visits to the Emergency Room.
