Michelena Josephine Breneman

Michaeleen Josephine (Insalaco) Breneman of Thousand Oaks passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026 at the age of 94. She will be remembered for her devotion to and love for her family, her calm demeanor, and her courage in the face of change.

Michaeleen was born in Rochester, New York to Philip and Concetta “Jennie” Insalaco. As the eldest of four children, she was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from the University of Rochester where she met her future husband, Herb Breneman. They married in 1954 and moved to southern California in 1959. In 1965 they settled with their young children in Thousand Oaks.

She taught high school biology while in New York (a calling she loved very much), and was an amazing stay-at-home mom while her children were small. As the children got older, she worked a variety of jobs, in addition to volunteering her time to organizations of interest to her. For several years Michaeleen was a docent at the Stagecoach Inn Museum, sharing the history of the Conejo Valley with school children and weekend visitors. Later, she volunteered her time at the Los Robles Hospital gift shop. She enjoyed working there for over two decades, selling as well as ordering and displaying merchandise. As a member of the “Bunny Bees”, she poured her energy into making countless stuffed animals and baby blankets for the youngest patients at Los Robles. Her dedication to Los Robles Hospital did more than serve the community; it gifted her a circle of lifelong friends.

Michaeleen is survived by her four children; Herb Breneman III, Jeanne Breneman, Cynthia Breneman Smith (Doak) and Kenneth Breneman (Giselle); grandchildren Emily and Amanda Breneman, sisters Roseann Markert and Frances Tepper; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her younger brother Frank Insalaco, and her husband of 64 years, Hugh Herbert Breneman Jr.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paschal Baylon Church in Thousand Oaks on Monday, March 2 at 10:30, followed by a reception and private burial.