Ethna McBride

Ethna McBride, 88, born Dec. 1, 1937 in Londonderry, (aka Derry) Northern Ireland, passed away peacefully under the care of her family and Gilchrist Hospice at her home in Kingsville, MD on Feb. 2, 2026. Surrounded by her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren whose presence in the days before her passing brought her great joy. She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Edward, who predeceased her almost 4 years ago.

Treasured daughter of the late Mary and Joseph Cunningham; beloved wife of the late Edward Patrick McBride; dear sister of the late George Cunningham, Niel Cunningham, Joseph Cunningham, Josephine Lester, Maureen Brown, Eileen Watson and Daniel Cunningham. Devoted mother of Marie K. McBride (Don Curtis), Maureen M. Glinowiecki (Joseph), Theresa L. McBride and Deborah S. Ellis (David); cherished grandmother of April L. Leonard (Matt), Candice E. Jones, Erin G. Pressley (Lucas), Nicole M. Ellis (Steven Brown), Adam J. Glinowiecki (Emma), Patrick E. Ellis (Ryan), and Amanda P. Ellis; loving great-grandmother of Kyleigh M. Leonard, Brielle J. Leonard, Nova A. Brown, Kai A. Brown, Levi J. Glinowiecki and Maeve A. Pressley.

Ethna spent most of her early years in Derry, Northern Ireland, but at the age of 13, following the death of her father, she moved to England to live with an older sibling. It was there, as a young girl seeking employment, that she learned the trade of a birdcage welder—a job that offered few opportunities but shaped her resilience and work ethic.

A few years later, Ethna relocated to Scotland with her older sister, who helped her secure a position as an assistant nanny for Lady Muir’s children. It was during this time that she learned her two sisters, who had immigrated to America, were back in Derry for a visit. She traveled home to reconnect with them, and it was at the Criterion (the “Crit”) Dance Hall, where they were dancing with a young man named Eddie, that Ethna’s life would change forever. Eddie asked her for a dance, and what followed was an instant connection—love at first sight and dance—marking the beginning of a 65-year journey together.

Soon after their meeting, they were both sponsored to immigrate to America in 1958, unaware that their sponsors were located three thousand miles apart. Ethna’s sponsor was in San Diego, California, while Eddie’s was in Baltimore, Maryland. The two had imagined they would meet up on weekends, but upon Ethna’s arrival in America, she discovered the great distance between them. Undeterred, she made her way to Baltimore, where she found work as a seamstress at L. Grief and Bro., Inc., Manufactory company, a men’s suit manufacturer in the Homeland neighborhood, producing clothing for the “Griffin” brand, which would later be acquired by Joseph A. Bank.

Six months after Ethna's arrival, Eddie joined her in Baltimore. They were married shortly after on a cold and rainy January day—one that seemed to perfectly mirror the quintessential Irish weather at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in the Hampden neighborhood, marking the beginning of their shared life in the United States.

Ethna’s life was defined by devotion — to her family, to her community, and to every child who ever found comfort in her presence. Within five short years, she and her husband welcomed four daughters, creating a lively household that would soon grow far beyond its walls. Ethna’s heart had no boundaries. She extended her love to children from several families, including two young boys she helped raise for fourteen years. In time, the blending of these lives felt effortless. The girls embraced the boys as their adopted brothers.

Though small in stature, Ethna possessed a strength that left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered. She was a fierce protector — a true momma bear — whose care was never limited by bloodlines. Whether advocating for her daughters or standing up for someone facing hardship, she met every challenge with courage, conviction, and an unwavering sense of justice.

Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and constant motion, shaped by her generosity and her belief that every child deserved to feel safe and loved. Ethna’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the countless moments of kindness that defined her days. She will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the love she gave so freely.

Ethna and her husband, Eddie, were immensely proud of their Irish heritage. Together, they became deeply involved in the Irish community, joining friends who had also immigrated to America in celebrating traditions, culture, and shared history. Among their proudest moments were becoming United States citizens in 1977 and serving as Grand Marshals of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1998 — an honor that reflected their dedication to both their homeland and their adopted country.

Ethna and Eddie were inseparable, living life side by side and embracing every opportunity for joy. They shared a passion for Irish dancing and ballroom dancing, and their enthusiasm helped strengthen the bonds within the Irish community. Many have said they were the glue that held the community together, hosting countless parties, dances, and concerts featuring entertainers from Ireland. Their hospitality and spirit created a welcoming space where friendships flourished and traditions thrived.

Their involvement extended far beyond local gatherings. Ethna and Eddie were invited to the White House during President Clinton’s administration to support the Colmcille Gospel Choir from County Donegal. Over the years, they attended numerous events in Washington, D.C., especially when the President of Ireland visited the United States. They also had the privilege of meeting and spending time with television personalities from their hometown of Derry — moments that brought them great pride and joy.

Travel was a cherished part of their life together. They frequently returned home to Ireland to visit family and friends, and they enjoyed many cruises featuring Irish entertainers, combining their love of music, culture, and adventure.

Ethna’s devotion to her family remained steadfast throughout every chapter of her life. When Eddie was diagnosed with cancer, she faced the challenge with the same quiet strength that defined her. Around that time, she began experiencing the early stages of dementia, yet her love for him never wavered. Following his passing nearly four years ago, she often expressed disbelief and a deep longing to be reunited with the man who had been her partner in every sense.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Ethna is now at peace and once again by Eddie’s side, and reunited with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She will be profoundly missed. Her greatest joy was her family, and her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the community she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and unwavering spirit.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Schimunek Funeral Home Inc., 9705 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD 21236, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Isaac Jogues Church 9215 Old Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM Interment to follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ethna's name may be made out to;

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick https://friendlysonsbalt.com/ Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Baltimore, Inc., PO Box 324, Timonium, MD 21094

The Emerald Isle Club of Baltimore https://emerald-isle-club-inc.square.site/shop/donations/4 Emerald Isle Club, PO Box 20068, Towson, MD 21284

Gilchrist Cares https://gilchristcares.org/donate/ 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031.