Deidre Brennan was the first grandchild of Silas and Grace Brennan
to be born in America.
She was born in 1885 to Clarence and Gabriel Brennan in New York.
Both her parents were determined that their children
would have the very best education.
Deidre absorbed their love of learning.
Unfortuneately,
Deidre's life was turned upside down when her mother died
giving birth to her youngest brother, David.
He also died.
After her father remarried,
the blended family moved to Boston, Massachusetts.
Deidre earned a medical degree from the New England Female medical College, founded in 1848.
In 1873, this college merged with Boston University.
She fell in love with fellow student Eddie Dillon.
But tragedy struck again.
A few weeks after their engagement,
Eddie drowned in a boating accident on the Charles River.
Deidre worked amongst the poor,
and was a strong advocate for women's health.
There she met Eliza Mahoney,
who became her life-long work colleague.
to be born in America.
She was born in 1885 to Clarence and Gabriel Brennan in New York.
Both her parents were determined that their children
would have the very best education.
Deidre absorbed their love of learning.
Unfortuneately,
Deidre's life was turned upside down when her mother died
giving birth to her youngest brother, David.
He also died.
After her father remarried,
the blended family moved to Boston, Massachusetts.
Deidre earned a medical degree from the New England Female medical College, founded in 1848.
In 1873, this college merged with Boston University.
She fell in love with fellow student Eddie Dillon.
But tragedy struck again.
A few weeks after their engagement,
Eddie drowned in a boating accident on the Charles River.
Deidre worked amongst the poor,
and was a strong advocate for women's health.
There she met Eliza Mahoney,
who became her life-long work colleague.
For reflection ...
Deidre never met her grandparents.
Is this relationship integral to becoming fully human?
Deidre never met her grandparents.
Is this relationship integral to becoming fully human?