Rachel Marie Brennan

Rachel Marie Brennan, 84, of West Bloomfield, Michigan and former longtime Detroit resident, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and true advocate. Rachel was always there for all who needed an ear, a meal, a place to stay, or just some guidance in life. She devoted her life to her family and to others working for the Jesuits.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 20, 1941 to the late Samuel and Julia Rahaim. She grew up in Detroit in a Lebanese family and eventually moved to Southfield, Michigan with her family at the age of 12. She graduated from Ladywood High School. While working in her youth at Brennan Lumber, she would meet her future husband, Michael J. Brennan. It was not long before they were married and started a family of their own. After living in Livonia for a time, Rachel and Mike moved back to Detroit to raise their own family of five children near the Gesu parish. When her youngest child reached first grade, Rachel began work at the Gesu rectory, beginning her relationship with the Jesuits.

Rachel was a tireless and gifted administrator in the field of philanthropic giving. Rachel served as the first female Development Director for the Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) from 1990 – 2006 for three Jesuit Provincials. In addition to fostering friends and raising money in the Detroit and East Africa Provinces, she was instrumental in the 1990s "Promises Kept: The Campaign for Jesuit Health Care" which raised funds to renovate the health care portion of Colombiere Center.

She then worked in the same role for St. Mary Student Parish at the University of Michigan from 2006 – 2009. From 2009 – 2015, Rachel worked as a Development Consultant and Major Gifts Officer for the Midwest Jesuit Province and many Jesuit ministries, and she helped facilitate a successful renovation of the Sts. Peter & Paul Jesuit Parish Warming Center by the UAW, helping it to evolve into what is now known as the Pope Francis Center. Rachel formed countless relationships with benefactors and faith-filled people across the US to help channel their personal and financial treasures into gifts totaling tens of millions of dollars that will last for generations. Rachel's faith motivated her dedication to hard work, lending her energy and generous spirit as a colleague and compassion for those in need.

In her free time, Rachel loved to travel. Some of her favorite trips were going to Africa with the Jesuits and going with family to Ireland, Spain, Italy, Hawaii, and the Canadian Rockies. In her later years, Rachel was active in her neighborhood community, serving on the board of the Westacres Credit Union and channeling her love of reading into her involvement in the local book club. Throughout her life, her home was always open to everyone. She was like a counselor to all and was always there to lend her wisdom, love, and advice. She loved the Jesuits, loved her family, adored her 10 grandchildren, and was deeply committed to Gesu Catholic Church. She will be greatly missed by all who crossed her path.

Beloved wife of the late Michael J. Brennan. Loving mother of Susie Tarnas (Christopher), Tom Brennan, Kathleen Alcorn (Mike), Rick Brennan (Christy), and the late Michael Brennan (Tami). Proud grandmother of Skyler, Dylan, Evan, Emily, Gabby, Nathan, Alex, Rachel, Mira, and Rana. Dear sister of Nancy Baggett, Sam Rahaim (Jo Ellen), Laurice Kelke (Carl), John Rahaim, and the late David Rahaim (Judy), the late Joseph Rahaim (Dianne), and the late Said Rahaim.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 2:00pm-8:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers, & Connell Chapel) 32515 Woodward Ave (South of 14 Mile Rd) Royal Oak, MI 48073. A scripture service and sharing of memories will be held at 6:00pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00am at Gesu Catholic Church 17180 Oak Drive, Detroit, MI 48221. Visitation begins at the church at 10:00am. The Mass will be livestreamed, link is below.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in Rachel's memory to either the Pope Francis Center, Angela Hospice, or to Gesu Church.