Sister Mary Brennan

Sister Mary Brennan, OP, formerly Sister Mary David, passed away at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Fremont, CA on June 21, 2017. Sister was born in San Francisco to James Joseph Brennan of Donegal, Ireland and Marcelline Gasselin of French Canadian Heritage on May 1, 1930. Sister’s early education was entrusted to the Sisters of the Holy Names and to the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. In 1938 the family moved to Oakland where they became active members of St. Elizabeth’s Parish. Sister remembered that her parents found the Franciscan spirit a reflection of their own faith and that the Brennan Family quickly became a part of the Franciscan parish family. Upon graduation from St. Elizabeth High School, Mary Adelaide entered the Dominican Sisters but poor health necessitated her leaving at the end of her novitiate. In 1953, however, Sister fulfilled her dream of making Profession and almost immediately began a 33 year ministry as a gifted teacher and school administrator in both northern and southern California. Sister had a passion for education, striving always to instill in children confidence and a sense of self built upon faith in a loving God. In addition to degrees in history, English, counseling, and extensive studies in theology, Sister Mary earned a California State License in marriage, family and child counseling. Besides studying, Sister loved to travel and visited England, France, Ireland, Israel and Belgium where she spent a summer of study at the Catholic University of Louvain. When her years in Catholic schools concluded, Sister Mary’s gifts for Catholic education continued to expand through her leadership in CHOICE with Catholic Inner City Schools in Oakland; in a ministry of development and work study programs at Marin Catholic High School; counseling at Salesian High School, Richmond; board membership at St. Martin de Porres School, Oakland and participation in parish and school life at St. Mary Magdalen, Berkeley. She loved art, drama, music, needlework, science, movies, cooking, the beach, people, politics, and a good argument. Sister listed among her special memories “marvelous Holy Names teachers at St. Monica School€¦opening of Golden Gate Bridge, [and] First Communion”. Her joy for life and her sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Fremont, CA on June 26, 2017. Memorial contributions may be sent to Vision of Hope, the Dominican Sisters’ Foundation for the support of inner city schools, at 1555 34th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601.