Bridget "Breeda" Mary Herbert Poulin

Bridget (Breeda) Mary Poulin was born on May 28, 1945 at County Hospital in Athea, County Limerick, Ireland. She was the daughter of Nora Herbert. She spent her first three years in Athea, County Limerick with her grandmother. Because her grandmother was unable to raise her, she was placed in the Mount Saint Vincent Convent of Mercy. She was raised by Sisters in the convent where she acquired her high values, strong work ethics, and deep religious faith. She made friends easily and was very protective of the younger and more vulnerable girls. Breeda’s faith was instilled in her at the convent, where daily prayers and devotions were emphasized and were very important to her.

Although Breeda never knew she had any family, she was always optimistic and had a positive attitude. Because she had no relatives to visit with her, she never went on any family outings, or celebrated any birthdays or received any Christmas gifts. She never had a birthday party with gifts or any new clothes until age 16, after leaving the convent. In spite of her difficult childhood, she never harbored any resentment. As a child, she missed out on the pleasure of toys and books. She also missed out on having stories read to her.

Breeda learned cooking, household cleaning and laundry at the convent. Her most enjoyable times were spent with her friends. Her favorite classes in the convent were home economics, music and Irish dancing and making Limerick Lace with Sister Mary Antonio. She was considered a good friend and earned the respect of all who knew her. Some of her close friends were Ann (Hogan) Liggot, Margaret Guilfoyle, Alice O’Brien, and Margaret (Daily) Stannard. She was an honest, trustworthy, and a self-sacrificing young woman.

Breeda had one sibling, Mary Kate (Herbert) Cardno, 16 years her senior whom she respected and looked up to. Upon leaving the convent and venturing out into the world, she grabbed life with both hands and was ready to experience all life had to offer. She was employed at the Union Jack Club in London for about two years. During this period she especially enjoyed attending operas, plays and musicals. She also worked at Brigstock Camp in Corby, as an assistant cook with her Aunt Nell Caroll.

As an innocent and inexperienced woman, she fell in love and married young. Breeda was blessed with two healthy sons. When the marriage ended, Breeda was left to fend for herself and her boys and working very hard to be a good mother and did her best to provide for the children’s needs. She also became life long friends with Elaine Moffat and Margaret Brown during this period. Breeda was an active member of the Corby Labour Club and Saint Brendon’s Catholic Club, where she enjoyed music, dancing and lots of new friendships.

On February 18, 1976, Breeda and Philip were married at the Registra Office Corby, Northants, England. Being married to a military man meant frequent relocations, but also meant meeting new friends and having new experiences. Throughout her life, Breeda was a doer and giver with limitless compassion and empathy for everyone she met, never expecting anything in return. Breeda was very proud and privileged to become a US citizen.

She enjoyed traveling which gave her an opportunity to visit new places and to meet new relatives. Favorite vacations included Costa Del Sole, Spain and a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. On trips to England, Ireland and Canada she enjoyed visits with relatives. She also spent lots of hours looking through antique shops and goig to antique fairs. Philip and Breeda retired in Las Vegas, NV in 2007. She loved to play electronic keno, and enjoyed cooking, gardening and outdoor activities. Even in retirement, Breeda continued to stay in touch with her relatives and old friends, while making plenty of new acquaintances.

Breeda passed away on November 29, 2010 in Las Vegas, NV, USA. She was in poor health and suffered with continual pain for many years. She succumbed to a sudden and unexpected heart failure. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, three sons and two grandchildren. Services were held at Palms Mortuary Northwest, North Las Vegas, NV, USA. Breeda was cremated and her ashes will remain with her husband.

Simply stated, Breeda was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Breeda leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Bridget (Breeda) Mary Poulin.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Northwest-Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.