Marianne Nelson McBrearty

Marianne (McGarvey) Nelson McBrearty
Heaven received a special new member as Marianne McBrearty, loving wife, mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 18, 2024.
Marianne was born December 12th, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA to William and Elizabeth "Libby" McGarvey and was the middle sister to the late Bill McGarvey (Barbara) and Jim McGarvey.
She was the loving and devoted wife of the late John "Jack" McBrearty (34 years) and the late Peter Nelson (20 years). Beloved Mother of Peter (Terena), John "Dreux", Jim (Suzanne), Marybeth Zelasko, Tim (Stephanie) and the late Bill Nelson (Julia) and Step-Mother of Susan Tomba (Steve), Kathleen Wild (Ian) and John McBrearty (Kay).
Proud Grandmother to Alex Beltkowski, Libby Nelson, Christopher (CJ), Billy, Jack and Timmy Nelson, Ryan, Charlie and Luke Nelson, Ava, Nick and Josie Zelasko, Liam and Halle Nelson, Abby Tomba, Claire, Bridget and Brendan Wild, Jack and Katie McBrearty and Great Grandmother to Bree, Bianca and Brooks Beltkowski and Bryson Bay.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Marianne graduated from Rosemont College in 1959, and met her late husband, Peter Nelson. After moving to suburban Detroit in 1970, they settled in Lathrup Village where they raised their six children, until Peter passed suddenly in (1982). Three years later, Marianne met her angel on earth, the late Jack McBrearty, who she was faithfully married to for thirty-four years. Jack & Marianne together shared a love of travel to Europe and Ireland, as well as staying connected to their Philadelphia roots and vast network of friends there and in Marco Island, Florida.
Marianne was passionately devout in her Catholic faith and registered Dame of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta. She demonstrated her faith through decades of tireless charitable work with the Ladies of Charity, Angel's Place and other philanthropic endeavors. She was Director of Public Relations at the Academy of Sacred Heart and Brother Rice HS, as well as President of the Mother's Club at Brother Rice HS and Marian HS.
Her other great passion in life was her family, especially her twenty-four grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marianne will be remembered by so many for her extraordinary personality, grace and colorful style in fashion that she was known for. She loved to write poems, songs and send cards to celebrate every special occasion for her family and friends. She welcomed a good party with open arms and was never afraid to pick up the microphone and dance with her beloved Jack wherever they were in the world. Her smile, caring heart and unconditional love will endure and live on with so many of us forever.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to Brother Rice HS or Marian HS in memory of Marianne McBrearty.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church 2215 Opdyke Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Visitation begins at the church at 9:30am.
Please click to view the Livestream of the Funeral Mass. It will be available for viewing at 9:40am Thursday.
Burial will be held privately.