Mary Brennan

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Brennan shares the news of her death after an inspiring and heroic battle with ALS on January 8, 2020 in her 70th year. Beloved wife of James (Pat) Brennan for 43 years and devoted mother to Julie (Jeff Ellis), Sara (Gregory Mitchell), Katy (Bob Woropay) and Marla. Mary cherished her grandchildren, Paiten, Noah, Lily, Christopher, Gabriel, James, Caleb and Amber. She leaves behind her brothers Joe of Oshawa and Raymond (Ginette) of Scarborough, and her sister-in-law, Liz of Canmore, Alberta. Mary was predeceased by her mother Maria Consolata, her father Michael Angelo Falzon and her brother David Falzon.

Mary was born in Qrendi, Malta and crossed the Atlantic Ocean with her mother and two brothers in 1953, arriving in Oshawa where her father had built their home to begin their new life in Canada. Growing up in Oshawa, Mary loved the Beatles and was an avid reader, a great student with a brilliant mind. Mary earned her degree from York University where she met many life-long friends and enjoyed the freedom and adventure of living in Toronto. She worked for the Durham Catholic District School Board for 35 years as a teacher, a librarian and in special education. For many years, she enjoyed walking at Lakeview Park and loved spending time reading and writing. Following her retirement Mary embraced her love for music learning to play the African djembe with the Dare to Drum collective. This past year Mary was awarded the Provincial honour of Senior of the Year for her contribution to developing the “Drumming for health program,” at the Oshawa Senior Citizen Centre. In the final months of her life, Mary entertained many guests, celebrated often with her family, and enjoyed all the many cards and gifts from friends. She was an incredible mother, teacher, and advocate for many people leaving behind invaluable lessons and memories. She will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren and her amazing community of friends. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Kim Barry and the ALS team at Sunnybrook Hospital and to the staff of the Oshawa Lakeridge Supportive Care Floor. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Sunday, January 12, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. GERTRUDE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH (690 King St. E., Oshawa) on Monday, January 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has requested we honour Mary's love of books and reading by donating to the Canadian Children's Book Centre https://bookcentre.ca/support-us/donations or the St. Gertrude’s Parish Building Fund.