JUDITH E. BRENNAN
Brunswick, ME—Judith E. Brennan, age 78, died unexpectedly Friday July 11, 2014 at a local hospital. A resident of Kilauea, island of Kauai, HI, Judy and her husband Fran had lived in Brunswick Maine for many years and had returned for the summer to spend time with friends and family.
Judy was born February 9, 1936 in Brighton, NY, a daughter of Frederick Milton and Helen Jean Miller Benz. She received her BA from the University of Rochester, NY, where she met her husband William “Fran” Brennan. The couple married in Rochester on August 15, 1958.
During her husband’s service in the US Marine Corps, Judy taught elementary school throughout the country, including California and Virginia. They then moved to the East Coast as Fran pursued a career in the insurance industry, residing for over twenty years in Connecticut and subsequently in Maine where they lived for over a decade. For the twenty years following Fran’s retirement, Judy and Fran have made their home on the island of Kauai but have always kept close ties to the Brunswick area.
Judy’s life was devoted to her family, church, and helping others. She was a dedicated contributor to local Maine organizations including Habitat for Humanity, The Tedford Shelter, and Jane’s Team at First Parish Church in Brunswick where she was an active member. Judy was also a very involved member of the Church of the Pacific in Princeville, HI, where she was secretary and a volunteer at the church’s food pantry.
A dedicated musician, Judy played handbells as a member of the Bell Choir at First Parish Church. She played the flute for her congregation in Princeville and made practicing a part of her daily routine. An aficionado of the TV show Jeopardy; an avid kayaker; an equestrienne; and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Judy displayed an extraordinary zest for life.
She was predeceased by a son, Dr. Matthew Tyler Brennan and a sister, Dr. Laurie Jean Benz.
Judy is survived by her husband of Kauai, HI; a son, Seth Brennan and his wife Elizabeth of Newton, MA; two daughters, Jennifer Brennan Swindell and her husband Thomas of Vienna, VA, Amy Brennan Mohn and her husband Bryan of Southborough, MA; and nine adored grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jane’s Team, First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland Street, Brunswick Maine, or to the Kauai Humane Society, 3-825 Kaumualii Hwy Lihue, HI 96766.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, August 22nd at 2:00 P.M. at the First Parish Church in Brunswick. A service in Princeville may be announced at a later date. Interment will take place, beside her son, in Growstown Cemetery, Brunswick. Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.