Kathleen T. Brennan

PORTLAND - Kathleen T. Brennan of Portland died Wednesday April 9, 2014 at her residence surrounded by family, love and those closest to her. Kathleen was born in Portland a daughter of Irish immigrants John J. and Catherine J. Mulkern Brennan. Kathleen was the seventh of eight children. Kathleen attended parochial schools and was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy in South Berwick. She graduated from Notre Dame College, NH. For 35 years Miss Brennan worked as a primary school teacher in Portland. She taught on Peaks Island early in her career. She also taught at Adams School and retired from Reiche School. Kathleen loved working with the little ones . Kathy was a born teacher with a gift for helping make the lives of others better. She is fondly remembered by many former students and the teaching community. Kathy never really retired. Over the years and until very recently Kathleen took care of many elderly relatives in the Irish - American community. Kathy's most special joy was taking care of her boys grandnephews Gregory and Brennan Strong. Miss Brennan was a longtime communicant of St. Patrick's Church. Kathy was a dear and a delight. Her family and many friends are heartbroken by her loss, but remember that gratitude for her presence will overcome grief. She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, John Joseph Brennan, Jr., James Joseph Brennan; a brother-in-law, Dr. Donald Leo Toker. Survivors include two sisters, Mary Brennan Toker of Bethesda, MD, Sister Barbara Brennan, R.S.M. of Portland; three brothers, Francis Patrick Brennan , Gov. Joseph Edward Brennan and wife Connie, Paul Eugene Brennan all of Portland; a very special longtime boyfriend, Michael Montecalvo of South Portland; two sisters in law Merrye-Lynn Brennan of Pass Christian, MS and Beverly Brennan of Royal Palm Beach, FL; 15 nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews; and an especially very close niece Janmarie Toker and her husband Gregory Strong, Sr. of Yarmouth and their children Gregory Strong, Jr. and Brennan Strong of Yarmouth. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a 12 noon Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday April 12, 2014 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. A Private burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home 172 State Street, Portland.Those desiring may make donations to Mercy Hospital Cancer Fund, 175-195 Fore River Parkway, Portland, Maine 04101. Online condolences may be expressed below.