Martha-Brennan-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester

Martha Brennan

Holden, Massachusetts

Jan 5, 1951 – Oct 29, 2012

About

BORN
January 5, 1951
DIED
October 29, 2012
LOCATION
Holden, Massachusetts

Obituaries

Send Flowers

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester Obituary

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 Jurist Doctorate from Suffolk University School of Law. She began her legal career working as a Staff Lawyer with the Worcester County Public Defenders Office. Martha later became a District Attorney for the City of Worcester and eventually assumed control of her fathers 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 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 3rd at 10:00 am 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 Marthas name may be made to the St John Church, Food for the Poor program, 40 Temple St Worcester.

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I can still see her on the Clinton bench. Shakespeare trip. I would have loved that.

I still remember Martha, a contemporary.

Joe,
Our sincere condolences to you for the loss of your wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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.

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

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.

My sincere condolances for your loss.

The community and legal profession has lost one who worked to protect the rights
of all.

My sincere condolences to Martha's family. We were Skidmore classmates, who shared many fun times. She will be missed.

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.