Celebrating the Life of
Yvonne Brogan
July 19, 1974 — July 26, 2024
Obituary
Yvonne Renee Buckley
July 19, 1974 — July 26, 2024
Hermosa Beach
Yvonne Renee Buckley of Hermosa Beach, LA, formerly of Woodlawn, New York, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2024, just a week after her 50th birthday. Born in the Bronx to Patrick and Bridget Buckley, Yvonne was the youngest of three children. At the age of two, Yvonne moved with her family to Killarney, County Kerry, where she was raised until she was 12 years old. She attended St. Oliver's National School in Ballycasheen, County Kerry. At 12, Yvonne returned to Woodlawn with her family and enrolled at St. Barnabas Elementary School and continued to St. Barnabas High School. There, she developed a passion for Irish dancing, running track, and babysitting, which led her to pursue a career as an Elementary School Teacher.
It was also during Yvonne's teenage years working at Ark Drugs on McLean Avenue that she met her future husband, Kevin Brogan. After graduating from St. Barnabas High School, Yvonne attended Iona College, where she studied Elementary Education. Her college years included backpacking through Europe, lifeguarding at Tibbetts Pool in Yonkers, and attending events with her family at the Kerry Hall. Following her graduation, Yvonne began her teaching career at PS 59 in the Bronx, where she introduced Irish Dance, the Irish Arts, and music into her classroom. She received her Master's degree in Literacy, Reading, and Writing from Manhattanville College. Yvonne's love for the arts, performance, and vibrant personality made her a beloved figure among her students and colleagues. In 2002, Yvonne started dating Kevin Brogan. They reconnected on McLean Avenue and married at American Martyrs Roman Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach, California in 2010.
Yvonne worked at Rancho Vista Elementary School in California. Both she and Kevin were blessed with a daughter, Annabelle, who was the light of Yvonne's life. Yvonne dedicated herself to homeschooling Annabelle and in their spare time enjoyed baking, cooking, swimming, painting, and enjoying the arts with one another. Yvonne also loved spending time hiking, and bike riding with her husband Kevin. She also loved relaxing at the beach and spending time with her family and dog, Beau.Yvonne will be remembered for her lively, energetic, and outgoing nature. She was the life of the party, known for her beauty, spirituality, her loving and caring disposition, and her keen interest in parenting. Yvonne's presence will be deeply missed by all who know her.
Yvonne is survived by her husband, Kevin Brogan; her daughter, Annabelle; her father, Pat Buckley (Attracta Lyndon); her sister, Patrice Buckley; her nieces and nephews: Cathrena, Conor, and Ciaran Collins; Dominic and Michelle Jabbour; Katelyn, Connor, and Grace Brogan; her many Uncles, Aunts and her brother-in-law, Tom (Julia) Brogan. She is predeceased by her mother Bridget Buckley and sister Laura Jabbour. She is also mourned by her many friends.
Services
Reception
Saturday, October 5, 2024, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Pacific Time
2nd Street , Hermosa Beach, On the Sand
Please join us as we celebrate Yvonne's Life, Love, and Joy. The celebration will be held on the sand in Hermosa Beach to honor Yvonne's love of nature. Please wear WHITE in celebration of Yvonne's immeasurable LOVE and LIGHT and bring a blanket or a beach chair to sit on as we share stories and honor our dear friend. Beach blankets will be provided for out of town guests. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545A4AD2AA6F58-51008515-celebration#/ We have created a SignUp Genesis for friends and family to bring food or flowers for the celebration. Please use the link above to sign up for something to share. Below you can share a a picture, memory, a song, or video. Memories of how Yvonne touched your life are part of what made her so special. We will be creating a memory book for Annabelle of all the photos and memories shared for her to keep. And finally, a Meal Train and Go Fund Me account has been set up to help Kevin and Annabelle navigate these next months and years without Yvonne. Please click the links below if you would like to help. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
The memories of Yvonne I will treasure are how she brought positivity and enthusiasm to every interaction. It is rare to know someone so oriented towards the good in all - in life and in people. We will all miss Yvonne. Sending love to Kevin, Annabelle, and all of her family. What a beautiful soul. So grateful to have known her and been a part of the South Bay Mama Collective together which was such a priceless part of new mamahood for me.
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
It has been a while since I had seen Yvonne. But the time we did spend together was truly fun and precious. Annabelle and my daughter, Galaxy went to preschool together and also went to gymnastics together. While watching the kids we would talk. I ended up going there not to watch my kids but to talk to Yvonne and Erin. I connected with Yvonne right away. She was so honest and present with you in the moment. I really liked that. I could be myself with her. You’ll be dearly missed Yvonne!
Ms. Buckley was the best first grade teacher anyone could have ever asked for. She truly had a gift. It was a privilege and honor to be in her class.
Sycamore Canyon Campground in Malibu, 2017.
Hermosa Beach, 2012.
Thanksgiving 2009 in Hermosa Beach.
Thanksgiving 2009 in Hermosa Beach.
Thanksgiving 2009 in Hermosa Beach dancing to "Fireflies" by Owl City.
High school graduation party with our families. Julia (far left) and Yvonne (2nd on the left) would remain friends and later become sister in laws by marrying brothers.
Every time Yvonne came to New York, the high school girls would get together for a night out.
Hibachi dinner tradition with the Brogan Family
Yvonne and I were sisters long before we became sisters-in-laws. We had so much in common—both of our parents are from Ireland, and we even lived there for a few years when we were younger. Our friendship began during our freshman year of high school, thanks to a chance meeting at a Cork dance. Our parents exchanged school photos of us and, when they got home, told us, "You need to be friends with her." And that’s exactly what we became. From that moment on, our friendship blossomed into something truly special. We have been part of each other's lives ever since. On weekends, we would go ice skating, go to school dances, take long walks, and enjoy late-night movies—just two friends cherishing time together. College brought new adventures, like backpacking through Europe, and we even indulged our love for all things happy by visiting Disneyland with her sister Laura and Disneyworld for spring break. We always found comfort in the simple joys of life, letting our hearts stay young and full of wonder. Yvonne and I could talk for hours, sharing our innermost thoughts, supporting one another, and laughing over the funny things that happened in our day. We both pursued careers in teaching, and Yvonne always found magic in the way children saw the world—something she called "sparking wonder and joy.” I was so lucky that our friendship grew into family when Yvonne married Kevin, making us sisters-in-law. Tom and I would always say that Kevin and Yvonne were perfect for each other—they adored one another, always cheering each other on and looking out for each other. Yvonne’s greatest joy, though, was becoming a mother to Annabelle, her dream come true. She shared her heart with Annabelle and delighted in watching her grow. Annabelle, with all her insight and kindness, is so much like her mother—loving, creative, loyal, and full of joy. Yvonne was a wonderful godmother and aunt to my children, she never forgot a birthday and would always call and sing "Happy Birthday" since they were babies. She always wanted to know what they were up to and what was happening in their lives. My kids adored Aunt Yvonne and still can't wrap their heads around that she has been taken from us. I miss hearing Yvonne's sweet voice, so happy and uplifting. She always left me the longest voicemails and sent book-length texts which I'm still in shock that I wont' get from her again. She was a light in this world, and though I miss her dearly, I am forever grateful for the beautiful friendship and sisterhood we shared and she will be forever in my heart. I promise to keep her memory alive by sharing stories or our youth, college days, parenting and just friendship stories with Annabelle, Kevin and my three children, Katelyn, Connor and Grace. With a broken heart Julia Brogan
Brogan Family trip to California
Was this the same day? Jeez, now we're line dancing with Stacey in a bar in the Valley. It was always fun and tons of laughs. I will miss her dearly and I will never forget her love and light and her supportive vibes. To her family, I truly feel like every moment you were with her, she was 100% present and with you. That is SO rare today. You were always first in mind. Much love, April
I just loved our long talks. She had such an amazing point of view regarding parenting, love, communication and family. She was so incredibly genuine. Everybody just loved her. She described the sunset or this hike or a meal in such a way that she made you feel endlessly positive and so happy you were present.
When I thought she needed a little extra love, we took off for a day, kidless, and hiked and had an amazing dinner in Topanga. I remember thinking, I expected this person to feel down and she's skipping through these fields of gold with her hands up and laughing. She's so solid!!!
She was someone who was endlessly supportive of her friends and their kids. No matter what you were going through, she was there to listen and offer support in the most kind and loving way.
Yvonne always looked beautiful - absolutely and truly beautiful, inside and out.
I met Yvonne in 2011 in a yoga class in Hermosa. I joined after I had my first baby and this group of moms had been together through their pregnancies. The community connected with others outside of the yoga studio and we supported each other in so many different ways - babysitting, playdates, chatting, more yoga, hiking and years later, going to Vegas together.
Yvonne's presence was undeniably striking, with her tall stature, blonde hair, and blue eyes. However, it was her inner beauty that truly stood out. She radiated joy and positivity, always viewing the world through a lens of optimism. Her favorite phrase, "peace, love, and light," encapsulated her outlook, and her voicemail's sign-off, "tell me something you love about your life," encouraged others to focus on the positive. Yvonne's love for the outdoors was evident in her lifestyle, especially embracing the California way of biking, hiking, and enjoying the beach. She loved to dance and go to concerts. She practiced mindfulness and had a special affinity for the natural beauty of Ireland. As a dedicated teacher, Yvonne's impact on her students was profound. She spent years in the South Bronx, where she made her classroom a vibrant, engaging space. She introduced her students to various arts programs, taught them Irish dancing and music. Even after leaving traditional teaching, she continued to be involved in educational programs, always aiming to foster intellectual curiosity and provide support to students and parents. Her teaching philosophy centered on listening to and supporting children, building their confidence. Recently, she taught at Coastal Community Academy, balancing in-school and home instruction, and homeschooled her daughter Annabelle. Yvonne had a remarkable ability to make everyone she spoke with feel valued and special. She was a confidante, advisor, and uplifting spirit to many. I often called her for advice and she was unflailing encouraging. Her family was the cornerstone of her life. Kevin, Annabelle, and their dog, Beau, were her world. Annabelle, especially, was the light of Yvonne's life, and they shared countless cherished moments together, from cooking and crafts to swimming and shopping. Yvonne even created her own songs to sing to Annabelle when she was a baby. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and godmother, and her nieces and nephews eagerly anticipated her visits and the love and hugs she brought. Every Christmas Eve, she read Twas the Night before Christmas to my kids and set up footprints in flour from Santa. When our sister Laura died she made sure to be there for Dominic and Michelle. Yvonne will be dearly missed, but the memory of her love, joy, and positive spirit will continue to guide those she left behind. We find comfort in knowing she is now with her mother and sister Laura, watching over us as one of our three angels. May she rest in peace.
Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland, 2022
Coney Island, New York
Ireland, 2015
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland 2017
Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland 2022
Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland 2022
I met Yvonne at Waterfront Education when our kids were very young. This hike somehow solidified our friendship and from then on we would meet for breakfasts, walks, occasional mom nights, and some play dates with the kids. Yvonne and I loved to talk about writing children’s books, podcasts, and of course parenting. She always meds me feel like I was doing things right. I will miss her tremendously. Laura
Yvonne was such an uplifter and life cheerleader. She had a way of asking questions until both she and her friend understood the situation and the path forward. Back in July 2011, my Mom and I were walking my stroller on 6th street as her and her Mom were loading Annabelle in the car. From across the street I asked how old her baby was. We were friends (and neighbors!) ever since. There were daily meet-ups at Fort Lots O Fun, weekly beach dates, and lots of shared time at Art Zone. Yvonne inspired me to be a better parent by joining her in taking an Echo Parenting class. We have kept in touch since I moved away, although I am reminded of her when going through difficult parenting times. She used to say, "What would Sas do?" Now I say, "What would Yvonne do?" It was a beautiful process to witness her motherhood and be a part of her friendship circle. I hope others can keep their chin up, tackle a hard situation with love, return a smiling face, and look at the beauty of each day, because that is what Yvonne did.
Yvonne was such an uplifter and life cheerleader. She had a way of asking questions until both she and her friend understood the situation and the path forward. Back in July 2011, my Mom and I were walking my stroller on 6th street as her and her Mom were loading Annabelle in the car. From across the street I asked how old her baby was. We were friends (and neighbors!) ever since. There were daily meet-ups at Fort Lots O Fun, weekly beach dates, and lots of shared time at Art Zone. Yvonne inspired me to be a better parent by joining her in taking an Echo Parenting class. We have kept in touch since I moved away, although I am reminded of her when going through difficult parenting times. She used to say, "What would Sas do?" Now I say, "What would Yvonne do?" It was a beautiful process to witness her motherhood and be a part of her friendship circle. I hope others can keep their chin up, tackle a hard situation with love, return a smiling face, and look at the beauty of each day, because that is what Yvonne did.
We meet when our wee ones were just 3 months old. Together we raised our kids to be independent, loving, kind, emotionally intelligent people. We were so committed that we took classes to learn how to be the best parents we could be, became certified instructors in ECHO parenting, and started our own business. Yvonne was a master in child communication. She devoted her life to her beautiful daughter Annabelle and had the keen ability to see the world through her eyes. I think what we shared was more than just a friendship, it was a deep understanding of how childhood trauma would continue to show up in our lives if not addressed. We bonded in our commitment to growth and healing, breaking the cycle of generational trauma, spreading awareness, and giving back. It breaks my heart that she never got to actualize all her dreams but I am comforted in the knowledge that she passed her wisdom onto her daughter and gave her the tools to actualize her own. I am not ready to say goodbye to my friend. I wonder if I ever will be.
Yvonne's presence was undeniably striking, with her tall stature, blonde hair, and blue eyes. However, it was her inner beauty that truly stood out. She radiated joy and positivity, always viewing the world through a lens of optimism. Her favorite phrase, "peace, love, and light," encapsulated her outlook, and her voicemail's sign-off, "tell me something you love about your life," encouraged others to focus on the positive. Yvonne's love for the outdoors was evident in her lifestyle, especially embracing the California way of biking, hiking, and enjoying the beach. She loved to dance and go to concerts. She practiced mindfulness and had a special affinity for the natural beauty of Ireland. As a dedicated teacher, Yvonne's impact on her students was profound. She spent years in the South Bronx, where she made her classroom a vibrant, engaging space. She introduced her students to various arts programs, taught them Irish dancing and music. Even after leaving traditional teaching, she continued to be involved in educational programs, always aiming to foster intellectual curiosity and provide support to students and parents. Her teaching philosophy centered on listening to and supporting children, building their confidence. Recently, she taught at Coastal Community Academy, balancing in-school and home instruction, and homeschooled her daughter Annabelle. Yvonne had a remarkable ability to make everyone she spoke with feel valued and special. She was a confidante, advisor, and uplifting spirit to many. I often called her for advice and she was unfailingly encouraging. Her family was the cornerstone of her life. Kevin, Annabelle, and their dog, Beau, were her world. Annabelle, especially, was the light of Yvonne's life, and they shared countless cherished moments together, from cooking and crafts to swimming and shopping. Yvonne even created her own songs to sing to Annabelle when she was a baby. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and godmother, and her nieces and nephews eagerly anticipated her visits and the love and hugs she brought. Every Christmas Eve, she read Twas the Night before Christmas to my kids and set up footprints in flour from Santa. When our sister Laura died she made sure to be there for Dominic and Michelle. Yvonne will be dearly missed, but the memory of her love, joy, and positive spirit will continue to guide those she left behind. We find comfort in knowing she is now with her mother and sister Laura, watching over us as one of our three angels. May she rest in peace.
Coney Island, NY
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