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BORN
1932
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Marlene Brennan Obituary
WORCESTER - Marlene J. (O'Connor) Brennan, 81, of 91 Andrews Ave., died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 20, 2014. Her husband of 47 years, Walter R. Brennan, died March 10, 2002. She leaves three children, Walter R. Brennan Jr. and his wife Sharon of Greenville, NH, Marlene F. Peters and her husband Steven of Papillion, NE, Colleen M. Goodwin of Worcester; nine brothers and sisters, Bernice K. Drake of Oswego, NY, Crena M. Bushor of Brainerd, MN, Harold H. O'Connor of Warrensburg, NY, Patricia M. McCarthy of Syracuse, NY, Darrow D. O'Connor of Olney, IL, Katie H. Gilmore of Albany, NY, Barth S. O'Connor of Worcester, Barry A. O'Connor of Worcester, Kerry E. O'Connor of Sand Lake, NY; nine grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Two daughters, Margaret M. Brennan died in 1962, Sharon A. McGrail died in 2008 and four brothers, Terrance P. O'Connor, Francis R. O'Connor, Rohl J. O'Connor and Darrel M. O'Connor, a sister, Rowena M. Clark, and son-in-law Stephen R. Goodwin all predeceased her. She was born in Bristol, VT, daughter of late Harold and Bernice (Harriman) O'Connor and was a graduate of Mount Saint Mary's Academy in Burlington, VT. She moved to Worcester in 1953 and attended Quinsigamond Community College.
Marlene was a Nurses' Aide at Memorial Hospital where she worked for 27 years until retiring in 2002. She previously worked as a clerk at the former Heald Machine and at W.T. Grant. She was a long time member of St. Joan of Arc Church, a member of the Democratic City Committee for several years, the Red Hats, the Worcester Senior Center and also enjoyed arts and crafts.
CALLING HOURS will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on MONDAY, MARCH 24 in KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St. A FUNERAL MASS will be held at 11 A.M. on TUESDAY, MARCH 25 in ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH, 570 Lincoln St. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Marlene may be made to the Neo-Natal ICU at UMass Memorial Hospital, 119 Belmont St., Worcester, MA 01605 OR to St. Joan of Arc Parish Food Pantry, 570 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605. To obtain directions or share your thoughts and memories with the family on-line, please visit
www.kellyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marlene Brennan
Janet Gale
February 27, 2023
Marlene was a Family Day Care Teacher in the 70's along with 15 other talented women in a community program
that I worked for in a supportive role. Marlene was so
kind to all of us and such a blessing to the very young
children in her care. Marlene seemed to have energy
for anyone, anytime with spur of the moment plans.
In her care when I knew her was Scott Rousseau, Stacey
Mason and Carrie Ann Ricker. These little ones were
between 2 and 4 yrs old and had very very busy
busy and loving mothers. We all worked hard and had
quite a wonderful time. Gosh we worked hard!
March 29, 2014
Colleen and Family,
I send you my deepest sympathy on the death of your mother. I worked with her for several years at Memorial. She was such a kind and generous person. I know she will be missed.
Connie Galvin
HOWARD T CARNEY JR
March 24, 2014
Unfortunately, I only knew Marlene for the past 3 years. She was a very kind woman who you looked forward to seeing. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Debra J. Maddox
March 24, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
March 24, 2014
Rusty & Sharon and family I am so sorry for your loss, I didn't know your mom, but I am sure there are wonderful memories you have about her, may those keep you smiling, Love you all, sorry again for your loss
Bethanne witkowski
jean gaucher
March 23, 2014
Colleen and Marlene..I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was so nice to me and others. I have good memories. I have seen her at various times over the years and was always greeted with a big smile.God bless..Jean (kenary) gaucher
Katie Gilmore
March 23, 2014
thinking of you,the best sister ,best friend Love you very much .
Kathleen Kelly
March 23, 2014
What a joy Marlene was. We used to attend Thursday 9 a.m. Mass together. Always a wonderful smile; always happy to see you. Somehow just seeing Marlene you left with a smile on your face. She will be SO missed.
Kathye and Dot Kelly
Jamie Keller
March 23, 2014
Dear Marlene and Family,
So sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories with your mother help you through this difficult time. We are keeping our thoughts and prayers with you.
Love,
Your friends from South High
March 23, 2014
Sorry to hear of your'e Mom's Passing...Wonderful women, an inspiration to those that knew here.....PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME... Joan smith
Deborah Sullivan
March 22, 2014
Dear Russ, Sharon, and family,
We're so deeply sorry for the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Love,
Deb, Kristen, & Adam Sullivan
nancy Plante
March 22, 2014
Dear Russ and Sharon.
so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a sweet lady. I saw her about 5 or 6 years ago on a bus trip to Foxwoods from St. John of Arc.
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