Obituary: Brennan, Kathleen M. “Kate” (Age 80)
She is deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many other lives she touched.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Philip A. Brennan, and her “Crown of Jewels”: Son Tom Brennan of Colorado Springs, CO; Daughters Debby (Jeff) Hagen of Minneapolis, MN; Donna (Michael) O’Donnell of Newtown, PA; Diane Brennan of Spokane Valley; Lori (Ed) Schlect of Mica, WA; fourteen grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, two sisters in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas A. and Genevieve P. McCosker, two older brothers named Thomas, two brothers’ in-law, and grandson Jacob Brennan.
Kate was born December 30, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She graduated from Mater Misericordiae Academy in Merion, PA, where she met her future husband Phil at a dance.
She attended Immaculata College in Immaculata, PA, and worked for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company until she and Phil married on September 5, 1953.
So began 26 years as a busy Air Force wife, raising their close knit family while juggling her various volunteer activities: Officers Wives Club, choral groups in which she either sang or directed, Red Cross, church, and her childrens’ school activities.
Kate and Phil moved to Spokane in 1978 when they retired from the U.S. Air Force.
Together, they have been members of and have served faithfully at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church for 35 years.
Kate cantored, accompanied on the organ, sang in the choir, and served on various church committees.
For over 30 years, she could be seen at SHMC, where she was a Service League volunteer, presiding as President, 1990-1991.
Her love for Service League extended to the stage where she performed in the League’s fundraising variety show, “Heart Follies.”
A skilled pianist, Kate shared her gift in the lobby of SHMC and Riverpark Square.
She lent her beautiful alto voice to Project Joy and teamed up with a dear friend to share their music at church and in local nursing homes.
Kate’s other involvements include PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization), St. Anne’s Infant Home, and Serra Club, dedicated to fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 8, 2013, from 2-5 pm at Hennessy-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division Street.
Later Thursday, at 7 pm, a Prayer Vigil will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 1517 E. 33rd Avenue.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev.
Tyrone Schaff August 9, 2013 at 11 am at Our Lady of Fatima Church.
Rite of Commendation and Burial will follow at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center Chapel and Queen of Peace Cemetery, 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kate’s name to any of her favorite ministries: Immaculate Heart Retreat Center (www.ihrc.net), Bishop White Seminary Endowment (www.dioceseofspokane.org), Our Lady of Fatima Church (www.fatimaspokane.com).
Please visit Kate’s on-line memorial page at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com to leave a message of remembrance.
Arrangements entrusted to: