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Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 175, 25 July 1936, Page 10

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EARLY PONSONBY DAYS.

DEATH OF MRS. BRIDGET BROPHY.

Another link with the early days of Auckland was severed with the death recently of Mrs. Bridget Brophy at her home at 102, Jervois Road, Ponsonby. Mrs. Brophy had :lived for 71 years in the Ponsonby district. She was the last surviving child of the well-known Doyle family, who came from Ireland, and there- are several people in Auckland who can recall the picturesque figure of her father, Mr. Michael Doyle. Standing 6ft 2in, a man of magnificent stature, With knee breeches, swallowtail coat, green vest, silver-buckled shoes, Celtic hat and heavy blackthorn stick, he was typical of tlie -true Irish geritlenmn and a" notable figure in his day. Mrs. Brophy's mother,' Mary Doyle, was a member of the well-known Irish Russell family, and the Doyle home in Ponsonby was the haven and the gathering place of many early Irish pioneers. Mrs. Brophy was horn in Tipperary and was one of a family of 13. She came to New Zealand in the clipper ship Andrew Jackson in 1865 and she and her family had resided in Ponsonby ever since. She witnessed the growth of Auckland from its infancy, living through a time .when the now Ponsonby district was known as Dedwood.

By her kindly nature and cheerful disposition, Mrs. Brophy endeared herself greatly to all who cam-e into touch with her. To some she was affectionately known as the "mother of Ponsonby." The many tributes of sympathy which the family has received testify to the regard in which she was held. Among the tributes was. a telegram of condolence from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon, M. J. Savage. She is survived by her husband, Mr. Patrick Brophy, of Tipperary, whom she married in 1878; two daughters, Mrs. C. Hogan and Mrs. K. McLeod; and six sons, Messrs. William, Stephen, Michael, Denis, John and Walter. The funeral took place at the Otahuhu Cemetery.