Mary Kathryn Brenneman May 30, 1931 - February 23, 2015 Mary Kathryn Hostetler Brenneman, 83, of Tampa was born May 30, 1931, the daughter of Alvin & Ida (Miller) Hostetler. As a child & young adult, she grew up in the Amish community of rural Kalona, IA. She completed her 8th Grade education, attending a one room country school. In 1951, Mary Kathryn married Gaylord Brenneman. To their union was born 1 daughter and 3 sons: Grace, David, James & Timothy. In 1960, the young family moved to Tampa, Fl. The Brenneman family was active in the Ida Street, Ybor City & North Tampa Mennonite church community. Mary was very active in the church activities and the ladies Sewing Circle. But she will best be remembered for her hospitality in the kitchen at North Tampa where she helped organize the many dinners, refreshments and any event involving food. She loved to feed people creative, beautifully arranged, large helpings of food! Mary Kathryn was an accomplished renowned Seamstress in the Tampa area for 55 years. Her creative artistic abilities, courage and problem solving determination amazed everyone. Unusual sewing projects were a fun challenge to her. Wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, suits, Gasparilla ball gowns - too many to count and many made from a picture. Chair covers, Horse Jockey outfits, and suits for Santa were also seen hanging in her sewing room, as well as the endless stream of alterations. Her customer’s ranged from Judges and Lawyers, and Doctors, to business and professional men and multigenerational families. Mary saw her customers as extended family and was the confidant, counselor and close friend to almost everyone who came to her welcoming home. She shared her faith in Jesus with them, sometimes with a few tears or a prayer, always with sincere love. Mary Kathryn looked forward to moving to her eternal home in heaven. As she often prayed to do, she passed from this world in her sleep. Survivors include her children & spouses: Grace (Marc) Miller, Kalona, IA; Dave (Rosemarie) Brenneman, Lutz, FL; Jim (Terri) Brenneman, Goshen, IN; Sandy Caskey Brenneman Lopez, Tampa FL; Grandchildren: Justyn (Angela) Miller, Jonathan (Melissa) Miller, Charity Miller, Erinn (Rick) Vila, Angela Lopez, Lydia Lopez, Gloria (Keenan) Arodak, Quinn Brenneman; Great-grandchildren: Maxximus, Michael, Caleb, Ricky & Sam. Mary is also survived by her siblings: Leslie Hostetler, Edwin (Susie) Hostetler, Emma Jean (Monroe) Miller all of Kalona, IA, Joe (Norma) Hostetler, Hesston, KS; Sister-in law Anna Brenneman, Stuarts Draft, VA; Brothers-in-law: Milford Brenneman, Anaheim, CA, J.Edward Yoder, Kalona, IA; and many, much loved, nieces & nephews. Awaiting Mary Kathryn in Heaven were her parents, husband Gaylord Brenneman, son Tim Brenneman, grandson Ryan Brenneman, infant sister Ruth Ann; Mother & Father-in-law Ephraim & Anna Brenneman; In-laws, Susie Anna Hostetler, Emma Hostetler, Virgil & Helen Brenneman, Evan Brenneman, Ivan & Paula Brenneman, Mary & Leslie Gingerich, Mildred Yoder, Jane & Virgil Miller and several nieces and a nephew. The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel. A graveside service will be held, 10 AM, Monday, March 9th at Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa. Words of comfort may be expressed at blountcurryterraceoaks.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5