Jane O’Reilly Briskorn
July 18, 1936 - July 09, 2014
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Jane O’Reilly Briskorn
July 18, 1936 - July 09, 2014
Obituary
Mary Jane ‘Janie’ Mascari Penderghast O’Reilly Briskorn
July 18, 1936 – July 9, 2014
Janie Penderghast O’Reilly Briskorn was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 18, 1936 to John and Mary Mascari. Raised in St Louis for her first few years and Chicago for the remainder, Janie Mascari attended Providence High School where she graduated in 1954 and then on to Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin from where she graduated with her BA in 1958. While in college, Janie was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. Also at Marquette, Janie met and was married to Thomas Penderghast just after graduation in 1958. Janie and Tom Penderghast settled in Long Beach, California where Janie worked as a teacher at Saint Anthony’s High School. Moving to Huntington Beach in 1964, Janie continued to teach in the Garden Grove school district and work in creative writing, having written for children’s television shows including Sesame Street and Sheri Lewis.
Together, they were blessed with five children and married until 1980. While raising her family, Janie obtained her Masters Degree in Communications from Long Beach State.
The Penderghast Family were very active within the Parish of Saint Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach and Janie spent much of her free time commentating fashion shows for the Parish as well as in local malls. In addition to teaching at Golden West College and Chapman College, Janie was also head of Religious Education at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church in Laguna Beach where she met Patrick O’Reilly whom she married in 1981. Together they had a very successful career in real estate. An accomplished, award winning writer, Janie published several books as well as screenplays. She led book clubs, bible studies and trips to the Holy Land including multiple treks to Medjugorje. Her passion included painting and decorating.
After the passing of Patrick O’Reilly in 2009, Janie fell in love with Leon ‘Lee’ Briskorn. Married in 2011, they enjoyed close to four blissful years together during their courtship and married life while traveling and working at First Team Real Estate. At the time of her passing, Janie was very active with the Coto de Caza Philharmonic.
Janie is survived by her husband Lee, her brother John Mascari, sister Denise Lawler, her five children Brian Penderghast, Shawna Fallon, Steven Penderghast, Dean Penderghast and Maria Brief, their spouses and fourteen wonderful grandchildren.
Janie believed in family first and was such a bright light to everyone with whom she encountered. She was one of the most positive people on the planet, full of love and joy making everyone around her feel special. Heaven is so blessed to have this new angel, our precious Janie. She will live forever in our hearts.
The funeral will take place on Thursday, July 17, 10am at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in Rancho Santa Margarita.
24 responses to Jane O’Reilly Briskorn
Barb Ganschow says:
July 15, 2014
Frank & I met Janie & Patrick in Medjugorje in 2004. In 2005, Frank was on business & called Janie who instantly invited him to come over for a Friday night prayer meeting & then food. It was a beautiful, blessed evening as he remembers the night. Thru the years we have been in tough. We went to Medjugorje in July & I asked Ivan if he has heard from Janie. He replied only on FB. Upon our return, 7/8 3:02 am Janie FB me w a question about Steve Brown, my broker. I preceded to tell a bit about the NAR president, & that we had just returned from Medj. & would forward pictures. I sent them on the 9th. I thought it was unusual she didn’t return conversation. Soon, Dean wrote. Thank you, Dean for letting us know why Janie didn’t email back. On Monday, July 14, I was awaken by a request to pray for me and the family at Mass. Frank and I did pray at 6:30 am Mass. When we returned home, the alcove that has a lighted Jesus, and statute of Mary of Medj. in it, was seeping rose oil. We know that this is a confirmation that Janie is with Jesus and Mary. Amen You will be missed, Miss Janie, you were a delight to know, and now you will humor Jesus, Mary, and all the Saints. Continue to be our angel watching down on us….. Your old friends from Medj. & Dayton, OH – Barb & Frank Ganschow
Christine Burke Blodgett says:
July 15, 2014
Lit a candle in memory of Jane O’Reilly Briskorn
Linda Wright says:
July 15, 2014
I knew Janie at St. Bonaventure. She was in our Cursillo group. She was always fun to be around!!! You knew she was around when you heard her laugh and see her flowing black hair! She will be greatly missed! I found it interesting that Francisco Solano passed away on the same day, but not the same year as St. Bonaventure!!!
scarlet angelette-ellis says:
July 15, 2014
I remember Janie’s beautiful smile during our pilgrimage to Medjugorje. She was a dear soul. May her family find comfort in their Faith.
Scarlet Angelette-Ellis
Lynne Campbell says:
July 16, 2014
Dear Brian, Steven, Dean, Shawna, Maria and families,
Colin and I would like to say how sorry we are to hear that your Mom had passed away. We are on Pender Is. in British Columbia and will be unable to attend her service. Please know that we would be there otherwise.
Janie’s Big Smile and Warm Hugs will missed.
One memory I have of Janie is her larger than life hair. Years ago she told me a cute story about going to pick up Maria at school when she was a little girl. Maria was waiting for her when she got to the door. Mommy she said I knew you were coming . How asked Janie? I saw your hair walking along the fence!!!
Take care.
Love Colin & Lynne