Obituary for Bridie (Galvin) O'Connor

March 27, 1943 - October 17, 2025

Bridie (Galvin) O'Connor, age 82, of Rockland, formerly of Quincy, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, at the Pat Roche Hospice Home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 27, 1943, in County Kerry, Ireland, Bridie lived a life defined by compassion, hard work, and a wonderful sense of humor. She touched the hearts of all who knew her with her boundless kindness and tireless dedication.

Bridie was the second eldest of seven children born to Daniel and Sheila Galvin, both deceased. Raised in Skehanagh, County Kerry, she carried the warmth and resilience of her Irish roots throughout her life. She held a deep love for her siblings—Patrick Galvin, MSC (Sacred Heart Missionaries) (deceased); Brendan Galvin (deceased) and his wife Carmel; Dan Galvin (deceased) and his wife Kathleen (deceased); Mary Teahan and her husband John (deceased); Sheila Galvin and her husband Vincent Sheehan (deceased); and Michael Galvin (deceased). Bridie also cherished her many nieces and nephews, maintaining close bonds that enriched her life and theirs.

At the age of 16, in 1959, Bridie immigrated to Boston, where she built a new life while staying deeply connected to her Irish heritage. Her hard-working spirit led her to train as a nurse and she served with unwavering dedication as an emergency room nurse at Quincy Hospital until her retirement. Known for her compassionate care, calm presence, and ability to lighten tense moments with her humor, Bridie brought comfort and strength to countless patients and families in their most difficult moments.

A devout Catholic, Bridie’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Boniface Parish, where her devotion and compassion uplifted her community. Her faith guided her every action, bringing grace and kindness to all she encountered. Bridie also gave generously of her time as a volunteer for Scouts, and as a nurse on Broad Meadows sixth-grade camping trips.

Bridie shared 58 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Maurice O'Connor. Together, they raised eight children: Neil O'Connor and his wife Tracy, parents of Ryan and Kyle; Sheila O'Connor; Kevin O'Connor and his wife Jenny, parents of Tess and Molly; Kathy O’Connor and her husband Jack McCarthy, parents of Shannon; Joan (O’Connor) Chase and her husband Jim, parents of Ben and Aiden; John O'Connor and his wife Caitlin, parents of Catherine and Claire; Breeda (O’Connor) Cosgrove and her husband Jim, parents of Paige, Derek, and Norah; and Brian O'Connor and his wife Breffni, parents of Quinn and Cian.

Bridie’s greatest joy was her family and friends, whom she held closest to her heart, cherishing every moment spent together. Her compassion extended to all living things, especially her beloved dogs, Barney, Waggs, and Sabe, who brought her immense joy and companionship.

Bridie’s warmth, hospitality, and humor shone brightly in her love for hosting gatherings, especially her cherished Christmas Eve open house, where friends and family came together to share laughter, stories, and her legendary hospitality. Alongside Maurice and close friends, she traveled the world, embracing new cultures and creating cherished memories that enriched her life. Her adventurous spirit and love of connection, always paired with her quick wit, reflected the compassion and strength that defined her. Bridie’s legacy of compassion, hard work, humor, family, and faith will live on through her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Holy Family Church in Rockland, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham, MA. Visiting hours will be at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union Street, Rockland, MA, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM.