Mother and son with Limerick connections die days apart in New York

TRAGEDY has befallen a New York family, with connections to west Limerick, after a son and his mother died within days of each other.

Hannah T Duggan, who grew up in the mountains above Ashford in west Limerick, died surrounded by her family in her home of Nanuet in New York State.

She passed away on February 6, on what would have been her 64th wedding anniversary to her husband Andrew J Duggan who went to his God in 2021.

Only four days earlier, their son Andrew T Duggan, also of Nanuet, New York died.

Hannah departed west Limerick at the age of 18 and later met her husband Andrew J Duggan, described as “the love of her life” by her family.

Prior to New York, she had lived at Ormond Beach in Florida.

In a tribute, the family added: “All her life, Hannah was a very hard worker, from owning and operating a model in the Catskills (a mountain belt in New York State) to flipping houses before it was a thing.”

“She never complained and was not afraid to roll up her sleeves and pitch in where needed. It did not matter if she was in New York, Florida or Ireland, she was loved by everyone who met her,” they added.

Hannah, her family added, was “energised” by Irish music, dancing and playing the bagpipes.

“She played the pipes marching up Fifth Avenue every St Patrick’s Day for years,” they recalled.

Andrew T Duggan, who died unexpectedly on Friday, February 2, had graduated from Fordham University in New York’s Bronx district, before crossing to Brooklyn Law School.

He worked as an engineer for more than 40 years.

“His infectious smile and laughter could light up a room,” said his family. “He had a way of making everyone feel seen and loved. His passion and enthusiasm for life were contagious and he had a way of bringing out the best in all of us.”
Among the passions Andrew – or Andy – had was travel.

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“He revelled in the great outdoors, hiking and scuba-diving. But his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends,” the tribute read.

“Rest in peace, dear Andy. Your love, laughter and adventurous spirit will never fade from our hearts. We adored you.”

Fianna Fail councillor Michael Collins, who represents Ashford on Limerick’s local authority said: “The circumstances I’ve heard and read about are tragic. For a mother and son to die within four days of each other. My sympathies go to all the family and all the surviving relatives,” he said.

Hannah is survived by her children, Andy’s brothers and sisters: Ann-Marie, Tommy and Cathy, as well as their relatives.

May both Hannah and Andy rest in eternal peace.