Catherine Brosnan Panconi

January 2, 1922 – August 26, 2017

Catherine “Kate” Brosnan Panconi died peacefully on August 26, in Union City at age 95. Aunt Kate was the last of her generation and will be missed for her stories and memories of the Brosnan family. She appreciated her Irish heritage, and could enthrall and charm those who met her for the first time. Born in Oakland, she graduated from St. Elizabeth High School in 1940 and worked for many years as a telephone operator. She married Edward Panconi in 1965 but they parted ways in 1967. A long-time resident of Fremont, she developed her eclectic spending, collecting and storing habits there. Her home was a treasure trove of surprises; souvenirs and memorabilia of the A’s and Warriors were prominent.

Her parents were Irish immigrants Cornelius Brosnan of County Kerry and Mary Ann Murphy of County Cork. She was pre-deceased by siblings John, Mary, Emmett, Eleanor and Eddie. She is survived by nine nieces and nephews: John Brosnan, Patrick Brosnan, Mary Ann Dombrink Kurtzman, Patricia Dombrink, Kathleen Dombrink, John Dombrink, Stephen Brosnan, Nancy Brosnan, Dennis Cooper and many cousins near and far, in particular Patricia Burns Sarabia, who was a frequent visitor, bringing joy and cheer to Kate in her last days. She was predeceased by nieces Emma Brosnan Orozco and Eileen Brosnan Massucco. She also enjoyed a long friendship with her neighbor, Arlene King.

Services will be held on Friday, September 8, from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Holy Angels Funeral Center, Hayward; burial will follow immediately at adjacent Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Elizabeth Convent, 155534th Ave., Oakland, CA 94601-3062.