Frances C Brennan

Frances Brennan, 95, formerly of Norwich, Connecticut, died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Residence, Portland, Maine, on April 8, 2022. She was the younger daughter of the late Martin and Mary Cooney. United in marriage on October 20, 1951, Frances was the beloved wife of William P. Brennan, who predeceased her in 2005.

Frances was a Legal Secretary in the law offices of Brown, Jacobson, Jewett and Laudone, P.C. at the time of her retirement in 1992. She graduated with honors from Norwich Free Academy and received an A.S. degree with honors from Three Rivers Community College. She attended the Munson Institute at Mystic Seaport, Suffield Writers Conference (CT), and Breadloaf Writers Conference in Middlebury (VT). In retirement, Frances’ work at the seaport museum’s G. W. Blunt White Library resulted in her being named a Fellow of the Library. After relocating to Massachusetts in 2005, she continued to write and publish, resulting in her becoming a member in the National League of American Pen Women. Frances was active for a number of years in the Backus Hospital Auxiliary. Among other activities, she proudly worked with the Scholarship Committee, and helped establish an annual merit scholarship to support students pursuing post-secondary education in medical studies.

Survivors include two sons, William P. Brennan, Jr., (Polly Smith) of Yarmouth, ME and David M. Brennan (Ann) of Ramsey, NJ; three daughters, Monica B. Cunningham of Ashburn, VA, Mary Jane Mullen of Norton, MA, and Frances E. Ham (John) of East Haven, CT. She was the Grandma, Grammy, and Mimi to twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Frances also leaves her brother-in-law Paul Brennan, many nieces and nephews, and cousins in Connecticut and Ireland. She was predeceased by her sister Mary M. Shensie, and Monica’s husband Michael.

The family gratefully acknowledges the nursing staff, medical director and spiritual care team at St. Joseph’s Residence in Portland, Maine for their consummate and compassionate care on Frances’ behalf. In addition, deep appreciation is extended to the Director of Activities for her ongoing efforts to facilitate the family’s remote communication and connection to Frances throughout the pandemic.

Family and friends may gather at Labenski’s Funeral Home in Norwich, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 23, 2022 for visitation from 8:30-9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church Norwichtown at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haley House, 23 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA, 02116.