Ellen Brennan

LIFESTORY:

Ellen Brennan was a remarkable woman who, like a ray of sunshine, brought light and life to those around her. She was a woman of great strength who squeezed every bit of life out of each and every moment. Ellen faced challenges throughout her life, but never let obstacles stand in her way. She loved dancing and was a talented athlete with plenty of medals and ribbons that she was so very proud of. Ellen was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who leaves behind a colorful tapestry of memories that will be forever cherished by those she leaves behind.

The fifties were a decade unlike any other in American history with events that moved our country forward such as the first United States satellite orbiting the earth, the beginning of jet airliner service, and the Supreme Court ruling that racial segregation was unconstitutional in public schools. It was during this vibrant time that Joseph “Joe” and Wilhelmina “Willie” (Klem) Brennan were eagerly anticipating the birth of their fifth child. On July 19, 1951, they were delighted with the birth of a baby girl they named Ellen. She was born with Down syndrome and only expected to live two years but as it turned out, this prognosis couldn’t have been more wrong. Ellen was joined in her family by her two brothers, Thomas and J. Michael, and her two sisters, Brigid and Ann. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Ellen was always a happy baby who loved to have fun, went with the flow, and laughed right along with everyone. The Brennan household was usually bustling with activity so it was no surprise that Ellen always wanted to be like her siblings and was good at imitating them, too. She attended the Kennedy School on Oakland Drive which was the first public school for children with special needs.

Willie tenderly cared for Ellen for many years. After the death of Ellen’s father in 1979, Ellen and her mother moved in with Tom and his family for the 15 years that followed. During this time, Ellen grew very close with Tom’s sons. Two of Ellen’s siblings lived in Colorado and both Ellen and her mother enjoyed visiting them every year. In 1996, it became too much for Willie to care for Ellen any longer. Ellen then moved into the Homestead House, which is part of the Shalom Network, an organization serving adults with disabilities. This proved to be a perfect arrangement for Ellen since she was able to experience independent living for the first time. She developed many great friends there, most notably her roommate and best friend, Karen Sheridan. Ellen and Karen were a good team who complemented each other well and even did some traveling together.

It was plain to see that Ellen was full of life. She was very involved with the Special Olympics for several years and was a very talented swimmer. Ellen competed in the games for several years in swimming, even qualifying for the state meet nearly every year. During her later years, Ellen competed in bowling at the Special Olympics. Throughout all the years she competed, she earned many medals and ribbons that she loved to wear, and she was so proud of her accomplishments, too. Ellen loved popular music and was known to dance to anything with a steady beat. She worked some part-time jobs including at Tender Loving Care Assisted Living, Burger King, and MRC Industries in Kalamazoo. Although she couldn’t tell time, Ellen had a thing for watches. It was amazing though since Ellen often seemed to know what time it was, especially when it came time to catch her favorite shows on television, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She always had so much fun watching her shows, clapping and laughing right along with the music.

Life became more difficult for Ellen and those who love her when she developed dementia four years ago. Soon after, she needed to move into a place where she could receive 24 hour assistance. Ellen and her family were so grateful for the faithful and loving care the staff at Residential Opportunities, Inc. provided for her throughout the sunset of her life.

Ellen Brennan was a woman who was such a delight to know. She was kind, loving, and thoughtful of others. Although Ellen could be quiet and shy, she was fun-loving and could be so energetic at times, too. She treasured both her family and her friends and savored every moment she shared with those she loved. Someone who beat all odds, Ellen was a gift to the world around her. She will be dearly missed.

Ellen Brennan died July 27, 2010 in Kalamazoo. Ellen’s family includes her 4 siblings: Thomas (Sherrie) Brennan; Brigid (Ray) Davidson; Ann Brennan (Frank Hogsett) and J. Michael Brennan (Leila Zogby); 4 nephews and several grand nieces and nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and Uncle, Fr. Thomas Brennan, CSC. Learn more about Ellen, view her Life Story film, and share in some refreshments with her family and friends on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where a rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church. Burial at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church hall. Please visit Ellen’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation may to Shalom Inc. (serving adults will disabilities) P.O. Box 265, Kalamazoo, MI 49004