Mary Frances (nee Connery) Brennan, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023.
Mary Frances was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She attended St. Scholastica High School and graduated from Mundelein College in 1950. Mary Frances married her high school sweetheart, Alfred Brennan in 1951, and they soon settled in Niles, Illinois to raise their family. In later years, they moved to Algonquin, Illinois where they resided for over 30 years.
As her children grew older, Mary Frances began a 20-year teaching career at St. John Brebeuf school in Niles. She loved teaching and her positive disposition and calm demeanor made her a beloved teacher to all her students.
Mary Frances was generous with her time and volunteered for many organizations. She was an active member of St. John Brebeuf Parish and later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntley and was devoted to her Catholic faith.
Mary Frances' grace and kindness were evident to all who knew her. She maintained a large circle of friends from high school, college, St John Brebeuf, Niles, and Algonquin with whom she spent time playing bridge, golf, and sharing life.
Mary Frances and Al enjoyed travel and took trips to Europe and through the States, with frequent visits to Patricia’s family in New Jersey. Nothing was more important to Mary Frances than her family. She and Al hosted countless elegant and warm holidays and events, even as the family grew to over 40 members.
She had a beautiful smile and will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, and grace. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Mary Frances is survived by her husband of 72 years, Alfred Brennan Sr., her children Alfred Brennan, Jr., Anne Brennan, William (Stephanie) Brennan, James (Erin) Brennan, Mary Beth (Dane) Luhrsen, her grandchildren Jane Brennan, Mike (Emily) Brennan, Pat Brennan, Mary Brennan, Joe (Krissy) Brennan, Elizabeth (Jack) Simmons, Sarah Brennan, Megan Brennan, Logan (Rebecca) Brennan, Connery Brennan, Case Brennan, Katie (Steven) Keown, John (Maggie Zentgraf) Luhrsen, Annie (Ed Horne) Luhrsen, Eric (Abby) Luhrsen, Jack (Natalie Frost) Strain, Rob Strain, Joe Strain, her great-grandchildren Jake Brennan, Alex Brennan, Nora Brennan, Patrick Brennan, Nathan Brennan, Ellianna Brennan, Harper Simmons, MacKenzie Simmons, Avery Simmons, Olivia Simmons, Mikey Keown, Anna Keown, Ali Keown and Dino Luhrsen, her son-in-law, Jonathan Strain, her daughter-in-law, Cindy Brennan Johnston, and she was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Anne (nee Sweeny) Connery, her brothers William and Joseph Connery and her daughter Patricia (Jonathon) Strain.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 9 a.m. to time of the Mass 10 a.m. all at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Misericordia- https://www.misericordia.com/ or Catholic Extension-https://www.catholicextension.org
Burial will be private at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.
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Sending our love and prayers to Mary Frances’ family. What a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and lovely lady.❤️
Sympathy to Mary Fran's husband Al and her family. Lovely friend from Niles over the years.
I’m very sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to the friends and family Mary Frances. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to all of the Brennan Family. I was honored to know Mrs Brennan for over 34 years. I was proud to have done her hair and hear her speak of her family with such pride and love. Her home made toffee was always my favorite at Christmas. She will be missed greatly.
“I grew up near the Brennan family in Niles. Mrs. Brennan always made me feel like family when I came to her home. She was a bright light to so many children as a teacher and a neighborhood mom. May God bless you Mrs. B and welcome you Home. With love, Jim and Sara Butler”
Lovely lady. Great life. Rest in peace
Our sympathy and special prayers for Mrs. Brennan and all her family and friends.
Sending our love and prayers to all the family as you celebrate the life of your wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We were lucky to have spent family gatherings with Mary Fran. She will be remembered lovingly! The Gagnon Family
My deepest sympathies to the Brennan Family.