Barbara Jane Brennan

Barbara J. Brennan, age 89, of Toledo, passed away on October 5, 2022 at UT MCO hospital. She was born on September 12, 1933 to Cletus and Gladys Grothjan. Barbara graduated from Central Catholic High School and the University of Toledo. She was an elementary school teacher with Toledo Public Schools for 26 years, retiring in 1994. She really enjoyed teaching kindergarten and first grade, and it was not uncommon for her to run into former students of hers as adults who would share how much they enjoyed her as a teacher. Barbara married the love of her life, John Brennan, on June 21, 1958 and they raised four sons in south Toledo. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She never missed a ballgame or any other activity that her sons were involved in. She was a treasured friend to so many people and loved by everyone who knew her. Barbara loved the Metroparks. She would walk at Swan Creek every day, making new friends along the way. She loved nature, gardening, walking and working out at the Wolf Creek YMCA where she was affectionately known as "Dutchy". Barbara was deeply rooted in her faith. She and John were founding members of St. Patrick of Heatherdowns and parishioners for over sixty years. She attended communion services every morning. She was one of the most positive, upbeat and humble people you will meet and was adored by friends and family. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband John as well as her brother Jerome Grothjan, sisters Rosalyn Pizza and Joanne Bosch. She is survived by sons Kevin (Buffy) Brennan, Michael Brennan, John (Laura) Brennan and Thomas Brennan, and her grandchildren Andy (Anna) Brennan, Amy Brennan, Katie Brennan, Michael Brennan, Liam Brennan, Chelsey (Ryan) Gidley and their three daughters. She leaves behind many loving nephews and nieces, her sister in law and brother in law Margaret and Richard Shimman, as well as daughter in law Lee Ann Brennan and Lee Ann's mother Mona Rathke, who were both very special to her. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., on Thursday, October 13 from 3:00- 8:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral will begin at Coyle on Friday, October 14 at 9:30 followed by Mass at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at a later date, at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to International Samaritan, 803 N Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Please view and sign the online guest registry at www.coylefuneralhome.com

Tributes

Barbara Jane Brennan

September 12, 1933 - October 5, 2022