Judy was born Feb. 9, 1936, in Brighton, NY, a daughter of Frederick Milton and Helen Jean Miller Benz. She received her B.A. from the University of Rochester, NY, where she met her husband William “Fran” Brennan. The couple married in Rochester on Aug. 15, 1958.
During her husband’s service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Judy taught elementary school throughout the country, including California and Virginia. They then moved to the East Coast as Fran pursued a career in the insurance industry, residing for over 20 years in Connecticut and subsequently in Maine where they lived for over a decade. For the 20 years following Fran’s retirement, Judy and Fran have made their home on the island of Kauai but have always kept close ties to the Brunswick area.
Judy’s life was devoted to her family, church, and helping others. She was a dedicated contributor to local Maine organizations including Habitat for Humanity, The Tedford Shelter, and Jane’s Team at First Parish Church in Brunswick where she was an active member. Judy was also a very involved member of the Church of the Pacific in Princeville, HI, where she was secretary and a volunteer at the church’s food pantry.
A dedicated musician, Judy played handbells as a member of the Bell Choir at First Parish Church. She played the flute for her congregation in Princeville and made practicing a part of her daily routine. An aficionado of the TV show “Jeopardy”; an avid kayaker; an equestrienne; and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Judy displayed an extraordinary zest for life.
She was predeceased by a son, Dr. Matthew Tyler Brennan, and a sister, Dr. Laurie Jean Benz.
Judy is survived by her husband of Kauai, HI; a son, Seth Brennan and his wife Elizabeth of Newton, MA; two daughters, Jennifer Brennan Swindell and her husband Thomas of Vienna, VA, Amy Brennan Mohn and her husband Bryan of Southborough, MA; and nine adored grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jane’s Team, First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland St., Brunswick, ME 04011, or to the Kauai Humane Society, 3- 825 Kaumualii Hwy Lihue, HI 96766.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. at the First Parish Church in Brunswick. A service in Princeville may be announced at a later date. Interment will take place, beside her son, in Growstown Cemetery in Brunswick. Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.co m.
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