HELEN WALDE BRENNAN

BRENNAN, HELEN WALDE, passed away peacefully 25 May 2011, with her son and daughter-in-law at her side. Helen was born in 1915 in Chicago, IL. In 1925, the family moved to Lake Wales, FL, where she attended and graduated from Lake Wales H.S. She was a graduate of Florida State College for Women (today's FSU) and received her BA in 1938. Her studies included Spanish, French, English, speech and education. She was also known for her award winning photography and her beautiful poetry. Growing up, her summers were spent in Daytona Beach, where she met her future husband Joseph Brennan, who predeceased her. He introduced Helen to sailing on the Halifax River and car racing on the original Daytona Beach track. In the years that followed, they traveled the globe with their son, James. They resided in Saudi Arabia, with extended stays in Egypt. Based on her in-depth knowledge of foreign cultures, she later introduced them to her students at Gratigny Elementary in N. Miami. Helen was an avid reader, who also enjoyed all types of mental and math puzzles. She loved going to art shows, plays, poetry readings and lectures. As a 35-year resident of Summerland Key, FL, she was active in many civic and social clubs in the Keys and was considered the life of any gathering. With wit and humor, she could bring smiles to most everyone. Helen is survived by her loving son, James R. (Marie Vacca); grandson, Christopher (Jeannette); two great-grandchildren, Julian and Caden and nephew, Robert Wheldon. Helen lived her life the way she wanted, enjoying every sunset across the water - to the fullest. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Big Pine Key Library Fund, for the purchase of books, at 213 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key, FL 33043 (305.872.0992) or to St. Peter's Education Fund at 31300 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33042 (305.872.2537). At a later date, there will be memorial Masses celebrated at St. Peter Catholic Church, Big Pine Key, FL and St. Augustine Catholic Church, Coral Gables, FL. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.