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Martha Brennan Obituary
HOLDEN - Honorable District Court Judge Martha A. Scannell Brennan, of Holden and Dennis, MA, Presiding Justice of Clinton District Court, passed away peacefully Monday October 29, 2012 with her devoted family and friends by her side.
Judge Brennan was born in Worcester, the oldest of four children of the late William Scannell and Arlene Manning Scannell. Judge Brennan graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Worcester before going on to earn her bachelor's degree from Skidmore College and her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University School of Law. She began her legal career working as a Staff Lawyer with the Worcester County Public Defender's Office. Martha later became a District Attorney for the City of Worcester and eventually assumed control of her father's law practice. In 1984, Martha was appointed to the bench as a Judge on the Industrial Accidents Board. In 1988, Governor Michael Dukakis appointed Martha as the first ever female District Court Judge for Worcester County. Subsequently, Martha was named Presiding Justice of the Western District Appellate Division of the District Court and Presiding Justice of the Clinton District Court.
Judge Brennan is survived by her husband and partner of the past 32 years, Joseph F. Brennan Jr.; the two children she so cherished, Joseph F. Brennan, III of Washington DC and Elizabeth "Libby" Brennan of Worcester; her step mother, Linda (Powers) Scannell of Worcester; her three siblings, Cara Philbin of Lancaster, William Scannell of Rockport and Paul Scannell of Dorchester; nieces, nephews, extended family, colleagues and many friends. Her father Retired District Court Judge William F. Scannell passed away this past April 19th.
Judge Brennan was a member of the Massachusetts and Worcester County Bar Associations. She loved to cook, read, garden and the peace and relaxation of the Cape. She loved the law and being a Lawyer. Her dedication to her profession is proved by the many people who will miss her. Besides being a Judge, Martha was also a wife, mother and sister whose whole life outside the law was dedicated to her family.
Friends, relatives and colleagues and invited to visit with the family Friday, November 2nd from 4 p.m to 8 p.m in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m in St. John Church, 40 Temple Street. (please go directly to church) Entombment will follow in St. John Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers contributions in Martha's name may be made to the St John Church, Food for the Poor program, 40 Temple St Worcester.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Brennan
Craig Murphy
October 24, 2021
I can still see her on the Clinton bench. Shakespeare trip. I would have loved that.
Craig Murphy
October 24, 2020
I still remember Martha, a contemporary.
Greg, Trish, Vinny & Danny Gauthier
November 21, 2012
Joe,
Our sincere condolences to you for the loss of your wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Canevari de Paredes
November 19, 2012
My sincere condolences to Martha's family. We were Skidmore friends and classmates from Ross House in freshman year through Wait Hall in senior year, and including a memorable January term Shakespeare trip in junior year. News of Martha's passing has saddened me, and she has been very much in my throughts and memories this past week. Sincerely,
Donna Canevari de Paredes.
Janet Lappen
November 19, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Martha's family. We were classmates not only at NDA but also at Skidmore College. I fondly remember Martha's intellect but also her quiet sense of humor. Aside from our parallel educational journey through high school and college, my family also has a house in Dennis MA and I visit often. I will miss her. Janet Curran Lappen
Karen Birch
November 16, 2012
My condolences to Martha's family. We were classmates at NDA and I fondly remember her creative questions in our shared classes - especially religion. She had a lively intellect in high school which made her so suitable for the law. My deepest sympathies to you.
Michael Edmonds
November 15, 2012
My sincere condolances for your loss.
The community and legal profession has lost one who worked to protect the rights
of all.
Joanne Rubin
November 14, 2012
My sincere condolences to Martha's family. We were Skidmore classmates, who shared many fun times. She will be missed.
Carol DeLancey
November 14, 2012
This is such sad news. I have so many incredible memories of Martha at Skidmore. Her humor, creative thinking and friendship are a big part of my own youth. My condolences are with her family.
anne blodget
November 14, 2012
A credit to Martha is that her Skidmore classmates were thinking of her this last summer and hoping that she would return for our 40th college reunion. Her family and professional life is noteworthy and we all have such vivid memories of her intelligence and humor, and we really hoped to see her. We will honor her at that reunion! Anne Blodget Holberton - Class of '73 Prez. We will miss her.
Nancy Studebaker
November 13, 2012
Martha, I will always remember your kindness.
Nancy Crawley Studebaker
November 11, 2012
Joe,Joey,Libby,Cara,Bill,Paul&extended family, We are so sorry for your loss.Martha accomplished so much in her short life.You must be so proud.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bill,Tim Corbett-Paula,Jonathan,Lesley Lapomardo
Jenn Blakeney Borjeson
November 8, 2012
A wonderful woman, a fair judge. Rest in peace.
November 7, 2012
Joe,our sincere sympathy goes to you and your family.
Tom & Maureen Westerman
November 6, 2012
Please know we hold you in our hearts. Paul and Zelda Schwartz
November 6, 2012
Joe, our most sincere sympathies to you and your family on your terrible loss. We will be praying for you. Elaine & Godfrey Lane. London, England
Craig Murphy
November 5, 2012
I was so taken aback by Martha's death. She was a grand lady and an honorable servant of the law who was taken from us much too soon. All members of the bench and bar will miss her and remember her kind and fair administration of justice.
November 5, 2012
Joe & Family,
With deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of sorrow. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Mary Anne Powers & Tracey Porcaro
Mary Sullivan Police
November 5, 2012
Joe,
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fé Sharp
November 5, 2012
To my friend, Frank Brennan-
My sincerest condolences to you, Joe, and the rest of your family. I can only imagine how important Martha was as your sister- in- law and friend. May she rest in peace.
Fé S
Diane and Donald Gray
November 4, 2012
Our condolences to the Brennan family and friends. She will be missed
Diane and Donald Gray
Anders & Paige Williamson sr
November 3, 2012
Sorry to hear about your loss . You and your famy will be in are prayes .
Joge Tsang
November 3, 2012
Dear Joe, Libby, Joe Jr.
My heart goes out to you all.
I am so sorry.
The wonderful time spent on the soccer field with you and your family will always be cherished ones.
I shall alwayys remember Martha for her spirit and how she supported Libby.
Sincerely, Joge Tsang
November 3, 2012
Joe and Family -- our sincere sympathy at your loss -- please know that our prayers are with you -- Jack Nicholson and son John and his Family
Adam Sloane
November 3, 2012
Joe, Joey, and Libby,
Your mother and wife had a profound impact on me. She always made me feel like one of the smart kids; one of the cool kids, even when I didn't see myself that way. She was one of the smartest and nicest people I've met and if it wasn't for her I probably would not have gone to law school. She will be missed. Hang in there and I'll see you next time I'm in Worcester.
Love,
Adam Sloane
Robert Easton
November 3, 2012
Beechmont St seems like yesterday, with fond memories of a wonderful neighbor. Our condolences to all the Brennans,
Rob & Carol Easton
Tedeedra Healy
November 3, 2012
Joe, Joey and Libby,
My heart goes out to you. Her friendship meant so much to me during our years at the Trial Court. Her wit and wisdom will be missed by everyone.
Deb, John, and Heather Melander
November 2, 2012
Dear Joe, Joey, and Libby,
Joe, you and Martha have always been there for us since our loss. We will always be there for you. We loved Martha and so enjoyed all our trips together to DC and dinners out and Marthas best breakfast ever at the Cape!! She was so proud of Joey and Elizabeth and I will so miss our frequent nightly phone calls. May God be with you all and give you strength during this most difficult time.
Patrick Ferguson
November 2, 2012
Dear Joe:
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Janet Abrams
November 2, 2012
To my wonderful friend Frank Brennan and family, my thoughts and prayers and sympathy go out for your enormous loss.
Steve Power
November 2, 2012
Joe, Libby and entire Brennan and Scannell Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Judge Brennan was a great person and will be missed by all.
Stephen Bik
November 2, 2012
Dear Joe and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Martha was a wonderful person and excellent judge and will be missed.
November 2, 2012
We here at CourtlandYard Pediatrics knew a different Martha Brennan, we knew her as a wonderful, caring mother of two children. She was a mother first, we didn't even know she was a judge right away, she was a mother at our office. Our deepest sympathy to Joe and Elizabeth. Dr. Sheila, Darlene and Jan
Paula Selvitella
November 2, 2012
To you, Joe, and your wonderful children: It was always about family whenever I spoke with you or Martha, and I'm so saddened to hear about your loss! Please know that my family and I will keep you in our prayers. She was truly a great lady! As someone already said, "a life well-lived!"
Dolores Pullen
November 2, 2012
I work with Cousellor Neil Scannell @ the RMV, my Condlences go out to him and all of the family. Will keep the family in prayer.
Paul Kolesnikovas
November 2, 2012
Dear Joe and Family
My prayers are with you. Stand strong knowing Martha is with the Lord.
Patricia Bonner
November 2, 2012
To the Brennan and Scannell Family sorry for your loss.
Wayne D. Langlois
November 2, 2012
To Joe and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our family knows that God will hold Martha tightly by his side.
November 1, 2012
Joe & family,
Our thoughts and are prayers are with you and your family!
Shane and Lori Pellerin
Tommy Duffy
November 1, 2012
Joe...you and Martha are such exceptionally good people. Over the years, I have so enjoyed running into you both no matter when or where. Martha's passing is a great loss to so many people...you are in my thoughts and prayers
November 1, 2012
She was my friend.
Liz Tsang
November 1, 2012
Judge Martha,
Your Jello Jigglers fueled Many Soccer Teams!! I miss you already...
xxxLiz Johnson (Tsang)
November 1, 2012
So sorry for the lose of this strong woman who really made a difference. A life well lived. May she rest in peace.
Deborah Brady
November 1, 2012
Dear Mr. Brennan, Joe, and Libby,
Our hearts go out to you. Your family will always live in our memories.
Deb, Tim, and Matt
November 1, 2012
As a classmate of Joe's at Holy Cross, I am very sad to hear of your loss.
Bill Mostyn
November 1, 2012
Will keep the family lifted in prayer.
Dolores P. DCU / RMV
November 1, 2012
I'm very sorry for your loss. She was truly a kind and caring person. She will be in my thoughts and prayers as will all of the whole family.
Sincerely,
Arthur Keown Jr.
Brian Scannell
November 1, 2012
So truly sorry to hear of Martha's passing.
OKE
November 1, 2012
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. She was a great friend to all.
Peter Kunigonis
November 1, 2012
Joe, Joe Jr. and Libby, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. Martha was a great person. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you
Peter, Janet, Michael and Kelsey Kunigonis
November 1, 2012
to Joe and family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Sgt. Richard McDevitt Marlborough PD
Margo McCaffrey
November 1, 2012
Dear Brennan Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss.
I had the pleasure of practicing before Judge Brennan on many occasions and I echo what many others have said about her professionalism towards all. I would also often run into the Judge in the grocery store and she always had time to stop and chat. She spoke very fondly of her children and it was very clear how proud she was of them.
Judge Brennan was a smart, caring and friendly individual who will be greatly missed.
Joyce Conard
November 1, 2012
To the Brennan and Scannell Family,
May the peace of God strengthen and comfort you at this time and in the days to come. Let us always remember the amazing passion and incomparable devotion she gave to the law but mostly to her family and friends.
Hon. John G. Martin
November 1, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Scannell / Brennan families on this grievous loss.
James and Elizabeth Donald
November 1, 2012
Our Deepest Sympathy to the Brennan Family.
November 1, 2012
Joe & family, Billy extended family & friends - I wanted to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences on behalf of the families.
To say I was shocked when I read this would be an understatement. The more I read in the T&G the more I wondered off to when I first met Martha in her father's (bill) office. Back then Billy and Martha were determined to defend the people. When she became a judge she said to me "it's because I want to make a difference" and for me that was about "justice and not just the law & not getting swallowed up by the system". Seems from what I've read and heard she did just that.
Some have lost a wife, mother, sister and friend. Worcester county has lost a people's judge as well.
Safe Journey Martha.
Francis J. Trapasso & Assoc.
November 1, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Marie Delaney
November 1, 2012
To The Brennan and Scannell Families: I had the pleasure to know Martha and Bill when I worked at Harvard Street in Worcester many, many years ago. I always admired and respected Martha and was so pleased when she was appointed to the bench. How proud her Dad must have been. May she rest in peace. My condolences to Martha's family and friends.
Hugh O'Malley
November 1, 2012
Joe and Family, Please accept my condolences upon the passing of Martha. She was a pioneer in the legal community who earned deep respect for her high intelligence and unfailing dedication to justice.Your loss is felt by all who had the good fortune to know her.
Phillip Dussault
November 1, 2012
Joe, my sympathy to you and your family, we will keep all of you in our thoughts anb prayers.
Lt. Phil Dussault WPD Retired
steve zecco
November 1, 2012
Libby,
Thinking about you and family so sorry for your loss.Prayers and thoughts go out to the whole family
Steve Zecco
Leicester Police Department
Hon. Dennis Brennan
November 1, 2012
Hon. and Mrs. Dennis J. Brennan extend their condolences to Joe and the entire Brennan family at this time of tragic loss.
Joseph Hilton
October 31, 2012
Libby:
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you Martha.
Trooper Joseph J. Hilton
Charlton Barracks
Cheryl Daigneault
October 31, 2012
Libby I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 31, 2012
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
With Deepest Sympathy
Beth Belsito
Pete Balcius
October 31, 2012
Joe,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Martha. She will be missed greatly...
October 31, 2012
To the family of Judge Martha , I offer my sincere condolences. Ken Henderson
Gershon M. Gulko
October 31, 2012
I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. From our days together at Suffolk Law School to compassionate words from one parent to another, she was a wonderful person which served as a base for everything else she did in life. She was patient and as a Judge gave of herself beyond the call of duty. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
chuck lockney
October 31, 2012
Deepest sympathy to the entire Scannell and Brennen families
Kathy DelNegro
October 31, 2012
To Joe Brennan & Family'I am so sorry for your loss. Judge Brennan was the most caring and passoniate person I Have ever Met. Her kindness was so wondewrful. You have my deepest sympathy. She will surely be missed by everyone.
Tony Scola
October 31, 2012
Dear Joe, Libby and Joey, Your mother is one of the finest people I have ever know. She was a good friend to me when I was at a personal low. She would always ask how things were going with her usual honest concern. I always felt better after speaking with her. She was everything you would want in a Jurist, fair and impartial. She had a genuine concern for people and a wonderful temperament while on the bench. She was a friend to lawyers and all people who appeared before her. She will be missed by everyone who knew her but she will never be forgotten. I am so glad that I knew her and I will miss her. My prayers are with you all.
Keely McShera
October 31, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Sue Shea
October 31, 2012
Joe,
My memories of Martha will always include the joy she felt whenever she shared stories about you, Joey and Elizabeth.
She was my friend and I will miss her.
Kathye Kelly
October 31, 2012
Dear Elizabeth,
You know me from the grocery store; we laughed of the coincidence that you lived in my great aunt's apartment on Midland Street. Always loved to see you and Mom together; Loved how she cared for her Dad til his recent passing. Know she enjoyed her summer as was evident when I last saw her in the parking lot about 2 weeks ago. Gave her a big welcome back hug - so glad now that I did. Gift to me! I too lost my Dad in the same quick manner at age 53 - all too young - all such good people with so much left to do. Know I know your pain and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I am honored, blessed, so pleased to have known such a great woman.
Ramstroms Service Center
October 31, 2012
We are thinking of each of you during this sad and difficult time.
Bill Benedict
October 31, 2012
Joe and family
So sorry to hear of Martha's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
The Soto Family
October 31, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Terri Leary
October 31, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I wish you peace during this sad and difficult time.
Penny (Murphy) Pero
October 31, 2012
Joe & Family I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Martha. She was a wonderful, caring womam who I enjoyed working with. My prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time
Judy Fogarty
October 31, 2012
Joe and family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. Wishinng you and your family strength and faith at this sad time.
Daniel Toomey
October 31, 2012
Dear Joe, I am so sorry for your loss. Martha was a wonderful woman and important to our community, but she was first and foremost your cherished wife and the beloved mother of your children. She was important and valued in all those capacities, and she will greatly missed. Please find some comfort in knowing that she lived a life worth living.
Jim & Betty Gallagher
October 31, 2012
Joe & Brennan Family,
We were so sorry to read of Martha's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. You and she will be in our thoughts and prayers.
October 31, 2012
Joe Joey Libby and family,We were so deeply sadened to hear of Martha's death.We remember sitting in our family room and Martha laughing out loud at some crazy thing I said.I remember her on the sideline of all our soccer games with Libby making a super shot on goal.I also remember her laughing at Joe amd myself trying to coach 15 young girls to win a toug of war with the boys and the girls won.We had a tough team.I remember great times we all had and myself and Betty and Josh and Lauren will never forget.Our thoughts and prayers will be with you always.Jack Betty Josh Lauren Schneider.
Mark and Kristen O'Brien
October 31, 2012
Joe, Joey and Libby, may the love of your wonderfully close family and friends help comfort all of you in this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
October 31, 2012
Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting Judge Brennan, I have had the pleasure of knowing Paul. Please know that you are in my prayers, that your hearts be at peace knowing she is at peace and you will meet again.
Terri Eversley
Lauren Schneider
October 31, 2012
Joe, Elizabeth and Joey, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies
to you. I was so very sad to hear
about your mom, she was a wonderful woman.
Marianne Dias
October 31, 2012
Paul, my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Ginny Sullivan-Fraser
October 31, 2012
Joe, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ed Pellerin
October 31, 2012
Though there no words to ease your pain, remember that she is now in heaven, in Gods loving arms where she is now at peace. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Cecile May
October 31, 2012
Sorry for your loss joe. Onslow James and Cecile May...
Jon Revelli
October 31, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy.
Dennis Fleming
October 31, 2012
My sympathys to the Extended Brennan family for your loss. Libby, Im very sorry for the loss of your Mom.
Michael Robidoux
October 30, 2012
Sorry for your loss Joe, she was a great women and she will be missed, May god speed and be with you and the family you will be in my prayers ; (
Betty Mangini
October 30, 2012
Joe, Elizabeth, & Joey
For some moments in life there are no words. May she have a wonderful afterlife. I will miss her dearly. With deepest sympathy.
jack dunn
October 30, 2012
sorry for your loss...
October 30, 2012
fred busconi
Jessica Goodrich
October 30, 2012
My deepest condolences.
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