Brigid Spano

Brigid Spano (née O’Reilly), beloved mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and quiet generosity that touched everyone who knew her.

Born in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, Ireland, to Nicholas and Margaret O’Reilly (née Kelly), Brigid moved to the United States in 1965. In Brooklyn, NY, she met the love of her life, Joe, and in 1966 they married and began building the family she cherished. She grew into a woman defined by resilience and deep devotion to those she loved. She carried herself with grace, meeting life’s challenges with a steady heart and an unwavering commitment to her family. Her home was a place of comfort—where anyone who walked through the door felt welcomed, understood, and cared for.

Brigid had a gentle humor that surfaced in everyday moments, a way of making people laugh without ever trying too hard. Her kindness was quiet but constant: in the meals she cooked, the advice she offered, and the countless small acts of care she gave without expecting anything in return. She was the person people called when they needed grounding, and she gave that freely.

Her greatest joy was her family. She poured her love into her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren—celebrating their victories, supporting them through hardships, and reminding them always that they were capable, worthy, and loved. Her presence was a steady anchor, and her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.

Brigid is survived by her children: Gerard O’Reilly, Lucy Spano, Joseph Spano (Margaret), Christopher Spano (Elizabeth), Catherine Goldstein (Paul), Michael Spano (Maria), and Elizabeth Spano‑Hirschberg (Gary). Her grandchildren: Nicole Seickendick (Thomas), Gabrielle Goldstein‑Shapiro (Hera), Megan Spano, Matthew Goldstein, Dani Goldstein, Brennan Spano, Kevin Hernandez, Anthony Hirschberg, Phillip Hirschberg, and Michael Spano. Her great‑grandchildren: Sean Seickendick and Silas Ali. Her sister: Maura Hickey (Patrick).

She is mourned as well by many nieces, nephews, and cousins in England and Ireland, along with countless friends of her children who lovingly called her their second mom. Each will carry her memory forward in the stories they share, the traditions she created, and the love she taught them to give.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, her son Andrew, her grandchildren Andrew and Brigid, her bonus granddaughter Amanda, her sister Stella and her cousin Eilish—whom she now joins in peaceful rest.

Her life was a gift, and her memory will remain a blessing.

Visitation will be held at Joseph G. Duffy, 255 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, NY 112153905, US, on September 3, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Family St Thomas Aquinas, 249 9th St, New York, NY 11215, US, on September 4, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Ave, New York, NY 10309, US, on September 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm.