Nora B. Brennan

Nora was born on September 26, 1936 in Carker, Scartaglen, County Kerry, Ireland to parents Cornelius and Margaret Bradley. She was the sixth of nine children: Eileen (RIP), Joseph (RIP), Patrick, John (RIP), Thomas (RIP), Nora (RIP), Peggy, Mary and Bridget. At a very early age she was interested in becoming a “wise old owl,” a poem she later taught her students. She could never learn enough.
She attended Scartaglen National School for eight years, followed by 2 years at the Presentation Convent in Castleisland. She then transferred to Boarding School in Castlecor, Co. Longford. From there, she went to Belgium, France for a year and learned French.
In 1957, she left Ireland and moved to California where she taught school at St. Augustine’s in Culver City, Our Lady of Peace in North Hills, St. Sebastian’s in West Los Angeles and then in the Lennox School District.
Little did she know one New Year’s Eve, while in the mood for Irish music, did the love of her life walk into Molly Malone’s. Nora and Gerry would marry in 1972 and build a life together in Long Beach, CA for the next 44 years. Together they played golf (twice she earned a Hole in One!), travelled, and shared life’s ups and downs by holding onto each other, always. Visiting with family and friends in Ireland and England was her joy.
She was also a teacher in the Paramount USD working at Keppel and Alondra Schools, until she retired in 1995 as the District Teacher of the Year. Over the years, she touched many lives with her love of poetry and high expectations. Her Master’s degree in Reading only exemplified her love of knowledge. She had a passion for reading and learning that continued long after her retirement as a teacher. She stayed in touch with several students and not only encouraged their higher pursuits, but shared in their successes.
Nora celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by family and friends. She will be remembered by all as humble, giving, compassionate, and elegant. We will all mourn her loss but be comforted that she is now at peace and watching down over all of us until we meet again in heaven.
Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401