Mary P (Murphy) Brennan

Mary Patricia (née Murphy) Brennan of Pearl River, NY passed away peacefully on September 28th, 2023 at the Joe Raso Hospice Residence in New City, NY.  Mary was the devoted wife of Jack (John) Brennan for seventy years, and a wonderful mother who supported her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors.  She loved each unconditionally and celebrated their unique talents and qualities.  Mary was born in the Upper West Side of Manhattan March 5, 1932 to Timothy Murphy and Mary Kate Hennessey Murphy.  She attended Holy Name Elementary School and was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School.  Mary was a true New Yorker - she loved her years growing up on the West Side, her work in banking, and getting “dressed to the nines” whenever she could, and being in the city.  Mary moved to Pearl River in 1960 where spent 60 plus years enjoying her family, her neighbors, and all that suburban life brought her.  

She is survived by her husband and love of her life Jack; daughters Maureen Freer (Brian), Patrice Jensen (Steve), Mary Kathryn Brennan;  John K. Brennan (Mary Pat), and Terence Brennan.  Her grandchildren include Timothy Freer (Jenn), Brian Freer (Kelly), Maura Chernov (Dylan), Laura Jensen, Daniel Jensen (Kristin), Desmond Brennan, Kieran Brennan, Deirdre Brennan, Conor Brennan, and Jack Brennan.    In addition, Mary has ten great grandchildren.   Mary loved her extended family and is survived by her brothers Teddy Murphy (Roberta), John Murphy (Noreen), and her devoted selfless cousin Lillian Facinelli and her husband John, along with numerous nieces and nephews.   Family members who passed earlier include her brother James Murphy and his wife Mary,  her beloved best friend and sister Joan McCulloch and her husband Henry McCulloch, as well as  her lively and entertaining sisters-in-law Ann (Brennan) Kiely and Sali (Brennan) Cunningham.

Mary was the consummate hostess.  Whether it was a backyard barbecue, legendary Baptism, Communion or graduation celebration, pre-dinner cocktails before Guilios or Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, and  all were invited to the table that was prepared with love and laughter.  She enjoyed traveling with Jack, family, and friends across the U.S, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Mary treasured her Pearl River and Spring Lake friends and neighbors and was respected by all for her generous spirit, kindness, laughter and beautiful smile.  

Quiet moments defined Mary.  Sunday afternoons listening to WFUV Irish programs, doing her crosswords, and preparing dinner.  These moments also  included waiting at the Pearl River High School and Albertus Magnus High School parking lots after games on cold winter nights filling the station wagon with her children, and their friend; as well as finding a peaceful place during family parties to read to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She discreetly supported her parish, Cathedral High School, and her community; she also  volunteered for the St. Margaret of Antioch CCD program and Meals on Wheels.

Thank you to the staff at Promenade Assisted Living for providing a vibrant community for Mary these past few years.  To the staff and benefactors of The Joe Raso Hospice Residence, the deepest appreciation and gratitude for providing comfort and care to Mary and our family. 

The family has asked that memorial donations in Mary’s honor  be made to the Joe Raso Hospice Residence or St. Margaret of Antioch Church in Pearl River.  The family will have a private wake.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Margaret of Antioch Church in Pearl River on Tuesday, October 10th, at 11:30 a.m.   Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkill NY.

St. Margaret of Antioch Church, 115 West Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965

The Joe Raso Hospice Residence of United Hospice,  415 Buena Vista Road, New City, NY 10956 Hospice

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