Rosemary M. Drennan

1934 - 2023

Rosemary M. Drennan
Rosemary M. Drennan of Shelton, age 89, entered into rest on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Griffin Hospital in Derby. She was the devoted wife of Joseph J. Drennan for more than 67 years. Rosemary was born in Bellrose, New York, on January 30, 1934, to the late William and Mary (Schutz) Monahan.
Rosemary excelled academically but was unable to pursue her education after high school. She met Joe Drennan while working as a secretary for The Equitable Insurance Company in Manhattan, New York, where one of her assignments was to record all employees arriving late to the office. She learned Joe's name through repetition and came to think better of him over time. They moved to Shelton in 1961. Pausing her professional work while raising her children with Joe, Rosemary later worked as an aide to students at Mohegan School, and then worked as secretary for the Special Education Department of the Shelton School District until her retirement in 1996.
Rosemary was a keen storyteller with a sharp wit and intellect. She was warm and accepting of others, and generous with her time and talents. She oversaw a decades-long Sunday dinner tradition, where any and all were welcome. She taught the value of a well-balanced meal; even as a self-proclaimed veggie hater. She loved reading murder mysteries, gardening, and birding. She was a fan of the New England Patriots and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Always an avid learner, Rosemary read the newspaper every day, and remained interested in local, national, and international current events. In her retirement, Rosemary became a practitioner of Tai Chi, and enjoyed travels with Joe to Italy, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, and Canada. Always artistic, Rosemary enjoyed painting with oils and watercolors which filled her home. She honed her talent over many years of classes and art shows. Rosemary was a generous benefactor to many social service organizations.
Rosemary was the beloved mother of Joseph Drennan; Paul Drennan and his wife, Kathleen; James Drennan and his wife, Julie; and Marianne (Drennan) Jacklyn and her husband, Glenn. She leaves six grandchildren: Megan Drennan (Daniel Wieczynski); Emily Drennan (Oscar Puente); Margaret Drennan-Piper (Harrison Piper); Liam Drennan (Lizzie Erickson); Casey Jacklyn; and Audrey Jacklyn. Rosemary also many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Friends may greet the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road in Shelton, on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Her funeral procession will leave the parlor on Monday at 10:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church in Shelton.
Memorial contributions are requested to Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, CT 06418.
Online condolences can be offered at www.riverviewfh.com.