Philomena Egan

Philomena Rose Egan (nee Whelan), formerly of New City, NY and Lords Valley, PA, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, surrounded by her children.

Philomena was born on April 18, 1937 to parents John and Mary Ellen (McGovern) Whelan and grew up in Ballinamore, Leitrim, Ireland. She immigrated, with her parents, to the US in 1955, moving first to Springfield, MA and then to Jackson Heights, NY, across the street from the man that she would later share her life with.

Philomena worked in the accounting department at CBS, before marrying her husband, Patrick Egan, starting a family, and moving to New City in the late 1960’s.

Philomena was a faithful parishioner of St Augustine’s Church for many years and was an active member of the Catholic Big Sisters, chairing parish Fashion shows, St Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve parties. She was a Den mother for the Cub Scout Troop 428, and a longtime a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Philomena and Patrick retired to Pennsylvania in 1999 and became active in their new community.

She loved the Mass and sacraments, spending time with family and friends, and especially hosting summer parties. She was an incredible seamstress, from an early age, and made dresses and costumes for herself and her family throughout her life. Her Irish soda bread was legendary.

She thrived in the role of devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. She would travel to help family as they needed, spending time with nieces as they had babies and her sister when she was ill. Family, in turn, spent time with her in her final weeks as she wished.

Philomena was predeceased by her husband Patrick and is survived by her children Patrick (Elena), Philip, Paul (Christine), Catherine Bennett (Arlon), John (Ronna), Mary Dempsey (Joseph), and 14 grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother and sister in-law, Mark and Margaret Whelan of New City, sister in laws Margaret Corcoran and Anna Egan as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is also predeceased by her parents, as well as her two sisters, Marie (Meagher) and Joan, and brother John (Jack).

Family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 4:00 -8:00 pm at Higgins Funeral Home 321 South Main St New City, NY 10956

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday November 7, 2024,10 AM, at St. Augustine’s Church, New City, followed by interment at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.