Obituary of Pauline M. (Murphy) Brennan

Pauline Marie (Murphy) Brennan died peacefully on January 20 at the age of 86 1/2. Pauline Brennan is survived by 6 children: David, Marcia, John, Janet, Alan, Paula, and their spouses; 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and one sister, Nancy (Anna) Boucher, two sisters-in-law Marguerite Mahoney, Joyce Murphy, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband John James Brennan, brother James Owen Murphy and sister Dorothy Ann Zebron. Pauline was born on June 9, 1931 in Peabody MA to Denis Edward Murphy and Anna E (Ruotolo) Murphy. She attended St. John’s Grammar and High School, graduated from Burdett College and began work for the MA Dept. of Public Health Administration in 1948 as a court stenographer for eight years. She then worked for Yield House for 15 years followed by a variety of jobs at the North Shore Mall in customer service. She married John Brennan in 1952, living in Peabody in the house he built under the GI Bill and began their family of six children. She and John purchased “Sleepy Hollow”, Limerick, Maine for summer vacations for the family. Pauline shared her smile, enthusiasm, and gentleness in a variety of community organizations: volunteer at J. B. Thomas Hospital; President of JB Thomas Hospital Aid Association, creating and starting their gift shop and Puppets for the children; St. John’s School Mothers Guild; Member and Past President of St. John’s Ladies Sodality; Infant Savior Guild; Member of St John’s Parish Council; Researched and wrote the history of St John’s Fire and Memorial; Started the St John’s Archives; Started the St. John’s Thrift Shop in the vacant convent which at one time had housed 35 nuns and has been a tremendous financial aid to the Parish thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters, Peabody Historical Society, Peabody Essex Museum, and Peabody Garden Club. In 2010 she received from the Archdiocese of Boston the Bishop Cheverus Medal for exemplary service given in the name of the Lord. She loved to travel with her husband John, going to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Ireland (3 times), England, Scotland, Wales, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Rome (where she saw the Pope in the Pope Mobile), Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe and Cape Ann. She and John spent time in Florida during the winter months, first in West Palm Beach area, and then in Jensen Beach. She dedicated her life to her family, friends, church, and community. Her passions included collecting over 250 Nativity sets from all over the world, gardening, and smiles for her family and friends. Wake will be at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street Peabody on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Church, 17 Chestnut street, Peabody MA with burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Lynn St, Peabody. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pauline’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St John the Baptist Church, Peabody MA.