My deepest sympathy to the Birrane and Gleeson Families on Judy’s passing

Matthew O Dwyer
Barna

Our Judy

I am not all right 
I didn’t think the day Judy leaves us would come so soon
….yet it is here
To Judy, I introduced my tribe to the amazing tribe  Judy comes from.
From Limerick to Jericho it wasn’t too far. What connected us is the sparkle and glee in Judy’s soul, voice and eyes.

She knew me as Michael, my bad, in an effort to connect with her tribe, YET she also knew me as Mahmoud and yes she struggled to pronoun my name, the way my tribe pronounce it. 

tHE NAME MY EL BITAR TRIBE GAVE  ME MEANS THANKFUL
SO YES…I AM VERY THANKFUL TO HAVE KNOWN JUDY

…Judy new I was three quarters Palestinian, she didn’t really care about …about our differences, Nor about the butchering…. izraHell is doing to my tribes

She just wanted me to visit 
And talk about anything and nothing
She so welcomed my showing her Ruby, one of our grandkids from Germany,  and the numerous talks we had about Ruby 
….by the way, Who just turned 5 last Thursday

GOTTA SAY IT
I have been through a lot of sadness
From this crappy world 
And Josephine
Made it less crappy
With her smiles and golden heart

She did ask me to trim the beard a little, since when we first met many decades ago, I had just stubbles.
Yet finally she gave in
And continued to accept me as I am
 
One thing she said to me early on in the hospital by the EAST RIVER
“Do you believe this just happened to me?”
WELL
I don’t and I won’t YET IT HAPPENED 
…. I will keep Judy in my heart till it stops.

I’m so sorry for your loss she was a WONDERFUL woman & will be greatly missed 😓 My prayers are with you all🙏🙏with great sadness Cathy Pattison

Deepest sympathy to Tom, Matthew, Thomas and the extended family on the passing of Judy. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. 
Pat, Ann O'Leary family Carrigkettle Kilteely

Sincere condolences to Tom and family.. Donie Hanley london and kilteely

My Nana would get me ready for school and take me everyday and she spoiled me to no end. She would give me breakfast in bed everyday but every year on my birthday she would bring me a cupcake with a candle and a chocolate milk. On special occasions she would also put a surprise in my lunch box (it was almost always chocolate covered strawberries). I will forever cherish these memories with her.

Aunty Judy was one of the kindest and most generous people you could ever meet. She truly had a heart of gold. If you admired something she was wearing or something she owned, she would quite literally take it off and give it to you without a second thought. That was just who she was — always giving, always thinking of others.

When we visited America, Judy brought us everywhere and anywhere she wanted to make sure she gave us the best time, took us shopping, showed us all her favourite stores, and had an incredible eye for the best bargains. Those trips are memories we will treasure forever. 
My children, Olivia and Grace adored her and lovingly also called her “Aunty Judy.” One of my most treasured items is a green tote bag Aunty Judy bought one time to Ireland — I still use it all the time. She also bought Grace a soft doll when she was very small, which we named "Baby Judy". To this day, Baby Judy brings Grace comfort whenever she is sad or upset. Grace would always turn to Baby Judy, and we often shared stories and photos with Aunty Judy including Baby Judy online with her. 
Aunty Judy had a very special bond with my dad, whom she always called her “buddy.” When my dad was dying, Judy travelled all the way from New York only after returning 3 week prior form my wedding,  which we moved forward due to my dads illness, to be with him in the hospice in his final moments. She came into his room, sat at the end of his bed, and gently told him his buddy was there. He passed away shortly after. We often joked afterwards that he was simply waiting for his buddy before he could let go.
Aunty Judy’s kindness, generosity, and love will never be forgotten. We are so grateful for the time we had with her especially in recent times messging and chatting to her online, she will forever remain in our hearts. Her "sissy poo" as she called my mam (her sister Helen) will miss her greatly. 
You were truly one of a kind Aunty Judy. All our love to you all, x

This photo was when Judy took us to NY City 2019 when we visited from Ireland

Condolences to Tom , Thomas, Matthew and your families & to all the Birrane family on the sad passing of Judy . May she rest in peace .

Our condolences 💐 to you and your family 
I’m not sure what to say in the face of such a difficult loss. Just want you to know that I care about you, and I share in your sadness. It was a pleasure meeting your mom. She was always kind. Always remember, wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories 🦋❣️

Judy, you will be in my heart always. To all the family my deepest condolences, Judy was a sweet and wonderful lady that will be missed and always remebered.

OBITUARY

Josephine Gleeson

March 18, 1948 – January 3, 2026

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc.

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Graveside Service