Colleen Howard Brennan

Mrs. Brennan was an outstanding and an impactful English teacher at Thornwood

'53 - Next door, Best friend - St.Phil's, Music lessons, Bus rides downtown to the Library, the Y, girl scout camp, paper routes, selling cards door to door. Then I moved to CA but back for a summer class at DU and years later - The Wedding! Then moves, kids - lost touch. But I thank Colleen & the Howard family for those important & happy memories!

I have been searching for information about Colleen and her children, and I’m devastated to read about her passing. I was her babysitter when she and Jerry moved to Beverly. I took care of Jennifer, Joe, Tommy and Laura. I lived across the street when she lost her husband, Jerry in 1972. Colleen came to my wedding in 1985 along with the other ladies I babysat for on Bell street. I have always thought about Colleen and her family for many years. I am so glad she’s back in heaven with Jerry.

Aunt Colleen was the oldest of my dad's three sisters. Unfortunately due to my dad being in the military and Aunt Colleen and family living in Chicago we just didn't get a chance to spend much time with her or the family. However I do remember a few times we got together in the early years and I have nothing but good memories of her. The last big time was at a Howard family reunion in Colorado. She was a special person and a great mother. I know she will be missed by all.

Colleen definitely brought joy to her teaching. Every student was relevant. I taught with her at Thornwood High school for several years as a part of the Reading Clinic. I had the ultimate respect for her. She had such a positive spirit! I also thank her for sharing her daughter's time while taking care of my daughter, Roseanne, when Howard and I traveled to Boston during a school week. I never worried knowing Colleen was close by if anything went wrong.

I taught at Thornwood with Colleen and so much enjoyed her friendship. She was dedicated to her students and their learning. I am 97 and have been retired or 30+ years and I did not keep in touch with her, but I am so sad to read about her loss of memory and fading away from her family and friends. Blessings on her children and grandchildren as you restore her to herself -- remembering her charm and intelligence. Dorothy Ivey

Colleen never failed to bring joy to any gathering. We spent decades playing Rook, pinochle, and euchre, and teaching hundreds of English students at Thornwood High. She pursued all with equal gusto. Her driving terrified all her friends, so we always managed to share driving duties which was perfect because then Colleen could concentrate on her many wonderful stories. I can't think of another person in my life who provided me with more laughter and good times. The beach is yours,...