Memories of Brendan by Mary Walsh Kavanagh – Class of 1983
“Hello Shannon Family,
I am in Maine and when you are far from home you feel the need to remember and share. I did speak with Denise early this morning and she is together with all of the family now on an island off Carrigaline, Co Cork.
At a great loss to the extended Shannon family, Brendan Pettit passed away peacefully at home in his bed on Tuesday night. At his side were his ever loving wife Colette, Daughter Jacqueline aka „Jack“ Denise‘s next to younger sister, and his son Brian. Having survived a massive stroke 10 years ago which left his speech impaired he adapted incredibly to his post stroke reality, adopting a new lifestyle with typical unbridled energy, thriving in the gentle surrounds of his idyllic home in Glengarrif Co. Cork. I am told he wielded a mean chain saw always grooming trees and shaping the land for the family to enjoy. He continued to recover and regain strength with the love and support of his dedicated wife Colette along with the revolving door visits of his 11 children their spouses and numerous grandchildren. His pride and love for this incredible dynasty that he had built surely gave him the will and strength to defy the odds, enjoying life to the end. According to Denise his final demise from pneumonia came quite undramatically, quickly and very peacefully.
You may remember that Brendan Pettit was not only a loving father but a premier Shannon Graduate, one of the originals, an entrepreneur, and renowned Hotelier. He was of course most famous for the business he built in the Clonmel Arms, which served the local community for years but he also held many important leadership roles in SCHM and in Irish society as member and President for a time of the Irish Hotels Federation.
For me I remember Brendan most of all for his ability to relate, to connect, to unite, to question, to listen, to bring together, to share and to love. Always trying to find a more efficient way, loving the process as much as the achievement.
I was once a shy girl way back then! I was always thrilled to visit the old family home in Birdhill, outside Clonmel, and even better if it was roast beef Sunday. All hands were on deck washing veg, peeling spuds the noisy clatter of kitchen prep for the family feast. The highlight was when Brendan would roll up his sleeves, leaving the roast to rest on the side while he magically worked the scrapings of the pan into the most deliciously perfect gravy ever!!! And I mean absolutely no lumps!!
He was the most gregarious,thunderous, larger than life, scary welcoming Dad who instantly included me in the brood, setting me both at ease and to work at the same time! I remember watching movies with the family and singing along with every musical reveling in this father‘s voracious appetite for non stop food, family and fun!! Denise reminded me that he was born in Granard, Co. Longford and I believe he was an only child?? How could that be ?? How did he know how to relate so well to people of all ages and walks of life? Everyone knew him and loved him. Maybe that too is why he and Colette tried to take on the repopulation of Ireland themselves producing an incredible family of eleven children , all born with the same propensity to laugh, fight, listen and love with as much energy as their mother and father!!!
Colette and family have chosen to have a private, cremation ceremony today. I expect that they already know how important this single man was as mentor, guide and beacon to so many of us Shannon Students. But I felt I had to say something out loud in celebration of his legacy too! Please add or share as a way to return the love and respect to the family .
Ouiche mhaith Brendan!
Mary Walsh Kavanagh”
