Ethel Brennan
February 03, 2016
Obituary
Ethel Damberg Brennan Of Verona, formerly of Glen Ridge, passed away peacefully at her Clairidge House home on February 3, 2016. She was 101 years old and was the devoted daughter of the late Arthur and Anna (Martin) Damberg. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James A. Brennan and was the loving mother of six children including James Brennan of Manhattan Beach, California, Donald Brennan and his wife Linda of Houston, TX, John E. Brennan and his wife Cindy, of Old Tappan, the late Joseph Brennan, Thomas Brennan and his wife Alison, of Richmond, VA, and Mary Ann (Brennan) Ringsdore and her husband Steve, of St. Paul, MN. She was the oldest of six sisters and two brothers including Peggy Zilski of Hawthorne, Jack Damberg of Brentwood, TN, Joan Fastige of Morristown and was preceded in death by siblings Gertrude (Sunny) Cook, Arthur Damberg, Irene Damberg, and Elizabeth (Betty) OGrady. Cherished grandmother to Donald Brennan and his wife Cathy, Jennifer (Brennan) Toney and her husband David, Ryan Brennan and his wife, Jennifer, Sarah Brennan, Katie Brennan, James Brennan, TJ Brennan and his wife Alex, Patrick Brennan, Mathew Brennan and Brittany Ringsdore. She was the loving great grandmother of two with one on the way. She had many loving nieces and nephews as well as grand-nieces and nephews. Ethel is also survived by her devoted caretaker of six years, Meri Koiava. Before her marriage to Jim, Ethel was a leading lady in Nutley High School plays and Nutley Community Theatre. She spent most of her adult life taking care of her husband Big Jim, and her six children and grandchildren. Ethel was a longtime member of the Glen Ridge Country Club where she frequently played cards. She was very active into her mid-nineties and was also a member of the Montclair Service Club, was an avid bowler and loved traveling and New York City. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Halpin-Bitecola Brookdale Funeral Home, 1284 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 10, at 10:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 23 Cottage Place, Bloomfield. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at Fitzgeralds Restaurant, 13 Herman Street, Glen Ridge, NJ. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Ethels name to: Christ the King School, 239 Woodside Avenue, Newark, New Jersey, 07104. Other NJ Visitation Tuesday, February 9th, 2016 04:00 pm - 08:00 pm Halpin - Bitecola Brookdale Funeral & Cremation Service LLC 1284 Broad St, Bloomfield NJ 07003 Mass Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 10:00 am - 10:45 am Saint Thomas the Apostle Church 60 Byrd Ave, Bloomfield NJ 07003 Burial Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 11:15 am - 11:30 am Mt Olivet Cemetery 23 Cottage Pl, Bloomfield NJ 07003
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Photos
Memories
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Your friends at Christ the King Prep
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Dear Jack, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you all mourn the loss of your mom, a very special lady. With heartfelt condolences, Father Bob, Lisa, and Jackie
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Tom & Alison brennan
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Tom & Alison brennan lit a candle for
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Roger J. Pearson
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Dear Cindy and Jack: Perhaps the best, most comforting thing i can write is that i am certain both of you were sources of pride and joy far beyond anything your mom ever could have dreamed of.Jack, you were a good son to your mom, and Cindy was a wonderful daughter-in-law. You were both blessed to have her as long as you did. Amazing, when you think about it, all the history your mom lived through; two world wars, several economic crises, etc.<br>One thing I never knew about your mom until I read her obituary is that she enjoyed bowling. This explains the origins of Jack' s favorite pastime!May God bless your mom's soul, and the entire Brennan family.<br>Roger and Jenni Pearson.<br><br>
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Nanci and John Connors
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Nanci and John Connors lit a candle for
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Marisa Connors Hoyt
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Aunt Ethel, you were one of my very favorites and I loved spending the holidays with you every year. I will always remember your truly impressive energy well into your 90's and can still hear your sweet, soft voice saying "isn't it wonderful?!". I know we are so lucky to have you and Nanny watching over us. Much love xxoo Marisa
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Marisa, Kyle, Connor, Eve and Eliza Hoyt
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Marisa, Kyle, Connor, Eve and Eliza Hoyt lit a candle for