January 3, 2024

OBITUARY: Sister Mary Lou Brennan, SSJ

REGIONAL

HOLYOKE – Sister of St. Joseph Mary Louise Brennan (formerly Sister Francis Elizabeth), 85, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died in Mont Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, on Jan. 1. Born in Worcester, Mass., she was the daughter of Francis John and Columbia E. (Fettucia) Brennan.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Mary Parish, Uxbridge, Mass., in 1956. She graduated from St. Mary High School, Milford, Mass. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee and a master of arts in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

She taught at Sacred Heart School, Pawtucket, R.I.; Blessed Sacrament School, Holyoke; and Holy Cross School, Springfield. For many years she volunteered at the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults (Jericho), teaching in the religious education program where she was awarded a Humanitarian Award due to her interactions with children and adults. She was a primary remedial reading and math teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle School, West Springfield for 20 years.

In addition to her sisters in community, she leaves Michael Stoll and several other cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Columbia Brennan, a brother, John, and several cousins.

All services will take place at St Thomas the Apostle Church, 47 Pine Street, West Springfield on Tuesday, Jan.  9. She will be waked at 9 a.m., with a prayer service at 9:30, followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial. The burial will be in Mont Marie Cemetery, Holyoke.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.