Nora Roddy was born to Bryan Roddy and Mary Duffy Roddy on November 13, 1889. She was one of eight children and the oldest girl. Two of the children died young. The family lived in Knockanaconny townland in Castlemore parish near the town of Ballaghaderreen. Nora emigrated to Philadelphia at age 16 and was a servant girl for a number of years. All but one of her siblings followed her to Philadelphia ( the oldest son Peter inherited the family farm). The picture was taken in 1914. Nora is sitting with her brother Martin. Brothers James and Bernard are standing.
In April 1923, Nora married Patrick McDonnell from Carracastle, Co. Mayo only five miles from where Nora lived in Knockanaconny. They did not know each other in Ireland. Patrick and Nora had four children but Patrick developed tuberculosis and died in Decmeber 1932 leaving Nora a widow. Nora went back to work and raised her children although her two sons were sent to GIrard College a school for orphans in Philadelphia. Nora lived to be 96 and had fourteen grandchildren.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 13th Nov 1889 | |
| Date of Death | 18th May 1986 | |
