Teresa Brophy

Teresa Brophy, wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully on October 19, 2021.

Teresa lived life to the fullest and made the most of every situation, looking for joy in every opportunity and opportunity to bring joy to every person she met.

Teresa was born on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland. Her parents were John and Margaret (Ashe) Hanifin. Teresa was the youngest of thirteen children. She is predeceased by all her siblings: Helen, John, Mary, Tom, Joan, Michael, Pat, Bridget, Nora, Leesha, Peggy, and Kathleen. Teresa graduated from Presentation Convent in Dingle when she was sixteen. She bicycled daily (6.9 miles) from her home to the school, where her favorite topic was math and she played on the camogie team. According to Teresa, the best part about the school was the boys and the dancing. Teresa also loved the local plays, which she almost always had a part in.

After graduating, Teresa joined her sister Helen in New York, where she worked as a telephone operator and waitress. She met her husband Richard (Dick) Brophy after moving to New York. Teresa and Dick were blessed with six children and raised them in Commack, Long Island. Teresa could often be found wherever Wrestling activities were occurring, as she loved to watch her sons and grandsons participate in this sport. Many of you may be hearing her quick intake of breath whenever one of her sons was on the losing end of a reversal.

Teresa and Dick spent their retirement years between their condo in Melbourne Beach, Florida, and the home she grew up in on Smerwick Bay, Ireland. Her most recent years were spent living with her son, Denis in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. Teresa is survived by her husband Dick Brophy; all her children, David and Liz, Deirdre and Rich, Denis and Deb, Darryl and Tracy, Dan and Gayle, and Derek and Kathleen; and all her twelve grandchildren, Raymond and Ashley, Kelly, Gregory, Jacqueline, Dylan, Darren, Connor, Nicole, Katie, Caroline, Devin, and Charlotte.

For family and friends who are far from Pennsylvania, consider attending a Catholic Church near you and lighting a candle in memory of Teresa on Wednesday. The votive candles may be lit by anyone, Catholic or not, while a prayer or intention is offered. Teresa was blessed by her Catholic faith and upbringing. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Teresa’s name to Saint Rocco Church, 313 Sunny Dell Rd, Avondale, PA 19311. Condolences may be sent to the family at Chandler Funeral Homes, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.