Mary "Rita" M. (O'Dowd) Brennan

Mary "Rita" M. (nee O’Dowd) Brennan, age 89, of Drexel Hill, Pa entered into eternal life on January 5, 2021. Mary is the beloved wife of the late John Brennan and loving mother of Kathy (Peter) Brennan-Kavanagh, Sheila (Paul) Mullin, Patricia (Robert) Schweikart, Maureen (Andrew) Latanishen, and Diane (Michael) Capuzzi.

Mary was born in Cloonacool, Tobercurry, Co. Sligo, Ireland to the late Ellen (nee Walker) and James O’Dowd. One of ten children, Mary valued family from a young age. She is survived by sister Anne (nee O’Dowd) Falls, and joyfully reunited with her late husband and family members.

At the age of 18, Mary left Ireland to live with her Aunt Annie and Uncle Mike O’Dowd in Upper Darby, Pa. Shortly after her arrival in the United States, Mary met the love of her life, John Brennan of Co. Donegal, Ireland at an Irish dance hall in Upper Darby. Soon after, they were married and started their family.

A devout Catholic, Mary had unwavering faith and relied heavily on St. Jude with her intentions. Faith remained her top priority throughout her life and provided her strength in the face of adversity.

Mary, a tireless worker, spent a majority of her career in the Cardio Cath Lab at Lankenau Medical Center. She was a dedicated mother and Nana to her nine grandchildren (Lauren, Stephen, Paul, Julie, Michael, Ian, Sheamus, James, and Sarah). Post-retirement, Mary enjoyed knitting hats and blankets for City Team Ministries, mornings spent at Dunkin’ Donuts with her dear friend Ethel, shopping trips, and most of all spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.

All who knew Mary instantly loved her, and she will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Mary’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which held a special place in her heart.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M. on Monday, February 22, 2021 at St. Dorothy's Church, 4910 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, PA  19026 where friends may call 9-10:15 A.M. at the Church.  Interment Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery.

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed as well.  Please follow the link at 10:15 AM on Monday, February 22, 2021  https://www.facebook.com/Loganfuneralhomes/

In lieu of flowers family request contributions be made to the St. Jude Memorial Fund in Mary Brennan's name  http://giftfunds.stjude.org/marybrennan