Obituary: Dorothy Brennan

Dorothy Brennan, 81, passed away at Condell Hospital in Libertyville, surrounded by her family on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012. She was born in Rochelle, Ill. to Alvin and Josephine (nee Gruben) Detig. Dorothy graduated from Edgewood College in Madison, WI, with a BA degree in 1953. She married John "Jack" Brennan at St. Patrick's Church in Rochelle on June 25. 1955. Dorothy started teaching at Summerdale School in Rockford and moved on to Rockland Elementary School in Libertyville, after they relocated to the area for Jack's job. She later taught art at St. Joseph Catholic School and math at Carmel Catholic High School (all of their children attended both schools). Together, they had six children (two daughters and four sons) and she instilled the values of family, faith, caring for others, patience and independence. Dorothy and Jack enjoyed dancing, golfing, skiing, and traveling together, as well as spending time with family and friends. Of their 57 years in Libertyville, 44 of those years were spent in the Paradise Lane and Thomas Court area. She loved watching and cheering for her grandchildren who played basketball, softball, baseball. football and cheerleading. Dorothy was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville, donating her time and talents for over 57 years. The late Msgr. Harry Koenig asked Dorothy to be the first female Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph. He also requested Dorothy and her husband to begin a Christian Family Movement (CFM) program in the parish as well as an Adult Education Program (AEP) back in the 1960s. Dorothy also sewed numerous banners, baptismal gowns and decorations for the church. and gave countless hours helping out in any way needed. As a result, this spring she was inducted into the Libertyville Seniors Hall of Fame. In addition, she was an active volunteer at both the Winchester House and Marytown, National Shrine of Saint Maximilian Kolbe in Libertyville. Dorothy's other interests and hobbies included sewing, bridge, quilting, gardening, and walking (2 to 3 miles daily). One of her very special interests, with the Willow House in Northbrook, was the making of "grievance" teddy bears, made from a loved one's clothing, that help families deal with their loss after 9/11.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years. Jack; children, John (Kris), Kathleen, Patrick (Raquel), Michael (Beth), Kelly (Suzi), and Maureen (John) Wagner; 17 grandchildren; her dear sister, Evelyn (Marvin) Poliska and brother, James (Barbara) Detig; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret and her brother, Robert.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple, Libertyville. Visitation will be Monday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Church. Entombment will be in Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dorothy's name to the St. Joseph Catholic School Endowment Fund.

— McMurrough Funeral Chapel provided this information.