Obituary of Nora Brennan
Nora Brennan
July 8, 1935 – June 22, 2019
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23
It is with great sadness, yet a sense of comfort, that we announce the passing of our mom, Nora Brennan. Surrounded by her loving family, Mom peacefully passed away at the Lions Manor Nursing Home, Placentia, on June 22, 2019. Predeceased by her husband, John (Jack), daughter Marilyn, parents, Isabelle and Patrick Foley and stepfather Sylvester Murphy, brother Harold Murphy, as well as sisters and brothers-in-law. Left with special memories are her children, Pat, Maxine (Nody), Jackie (Kenneth Nash), Randal (Bernadine), Denise (Allan English), Bernadine (Glen Kehoe), Norbert (Michelle). Also left with cherished memories are her brothers and sisters, Patrick Foley (Susan), Cyril Murphy, Maryanne (Harold McGrath), Mercedes (Don Ross), sister-in-law, Sadie (Gerald Hillier). Mom's 12 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren, have special memories of their Nanny; she was very proud of each grandchild. Mom also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many wonderful neighbors, who will sadly miss her, especially her long time friend, Joan Tobin. Equally saddened by her loss are many residents at the Lions Manor, particularly her roommate and friend, Mrs. Hanrahan and her daughter, Rosalind, and her former college friend, Mrs. Griffiths.
Mom was raised in St. Bride's, Placentia Bay. After successfully completing Grade 11 in 1951, she entered St. Bride’s College, Littledale, St. John's, to pursue her goal of becoming a teacher. Following her post-secondary education, Mom moved to Little Paradise, Placentia Bay, to begin her teaching career in a one room school with students from grades 1-8; a career she truly loved. Equally important was her marriage to our dad, Jack, and the arrival of 10 children; 2 siblings died shortly after birth. In 1968, our family resettled to Mom's hometown, St. Bride's. In addition to teaching, Mom and Dad ran a successful business for almost 50 years. Our family was genuinely embraced by the people of St. Bride's and the Cape Shore when we arrived; many of whom were loyal and valued customers for many years. Above all else, Mom was steadfast in her faith and was devoted to prayer. She volunteered for 40 years with Sacred Heart Church, St. Bride's, and was involved with several ministries, including being a member of the Pastoral Parish Council. She also served as chairperson of the local library board for the Cape Shore Public Library for 32 years.
One of Mom's greatest joys included the annual pilgrimages to Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec City that were organized by Frank and Linda Chafe. During each pilgrimage Mom gained many new friends, especially her devoted travel companion and special friend, Jenny English.
Mom loved flowers and her garden; she enjoyed reading, completing crossword puzzles, sewing, helping others, playing crib, and dancing.
Over the past 18 months many people from the Cape Shore visited Mom at the nursing home. As well, many of her friends who were part of the pilgrimages to Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré also visited. Although Mom did not always recognize who you were, you visited her often. Her family expresses deep gratitude to you for spending time with Mom.
Although dementia slowly eroded Mom's sense of self and greatly impacted her thoughts and day-day interactions over the past few years, her family easily recognized her principles and values until the end of her journey from this complex disease. We were truly blessed during Mom's final days with surprisingly lucid moments which was a gift and blessing to each of us.
We are very thankful to our brother, Pat, for the care and support that he provided to Mom, thus ensuring that she remained in her own home until she required a higher level of nursing care. A sincere thank you is extended to the staff and residents at the Lions Manor for the compassionate care and support that you provided to Mom during her time with you. Over the last number of days, the support and kindness that you provided to Mom and her family was truly appreciated. We will forever remember your thoughtfulness.
Visitation will take place at Sacred Heart Church, St. Bride's, on Monday, June 24 from 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Church, St. Bride's, on Wednesday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at the Roman Catholic Cemetery, St. Bride's. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or a donation in Mom's memory may be made to Sacred Heart Parish, St. Bride's or a charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.coombsfuneralhome.ca
"I am at peace, my soul's at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love, I was so blessed
For all those many years."
Author Unknown