Obituary of Mary Eugenia 'Jeannie' Brennan

Mary Eugenia 'Jeannie' Brennan - age 90 of Halifax formerly of Judique, Inverness Co.

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Mary Eugenia ‘Jeannie’ (nee MacMaster) Brennan, 90, on Thursday, January 12, 2023 in Halifax, NS.

Born in Judique, Cape Breton on July 11, 1932, Jeannie was the 4^th of eight children born to John Duncan and Sarah MacMaster. The MacMaster home was a home filled with love, joy, music and faith. Strengthened through the love of her parents and brothers and sisters, she approached life with an open heart and a commitment to seeing the good in others.

Jeannie was educated at Judique Consolidated High School before moving to Boston to work for a period of time. She eventually returned home to her beloved Cape Breton to make her life with dad.

In mom’s younger years, nothing gave her more joy than going to the Scottish dances and listening to her brother Buddy play the fiddle while she danced all night. Her warm and infectious laugh could be heard throughout the hall.

Mom married Gerald ‘Bruz’ Brennan in 1955 and relocated to North Sydney. She was a devoted wife to dad throughout their 60 years of marriage. Together they started a family and raised nine children. When mom had her family, she found her calling in life. She understood the importance of connection and enjoyed a special bond with each one of her children. She created a home that was always a place that we longed to go. She was a wonderful cook and was known to throw lovely dinner parties and lively ceilidhs at our home.

She was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Parish, North Sydney and served as a Eucharistic minister for several years. Her catholic faith guided her throughout her life. In their later years, mom and dad relocated to Long Point, Inverness County, where they were members of Stella Maris Parish in Creignish.

Mom was predeceased by her loving husband, Gerald. Left to mourn are her nine children, Susan (Hiroshi) Kawaguchi, Halifax; Gerald (Sharyn), Groves Point; Mary, Halifax; Michael, Calgary, AB; Anne (Chris) Carvalho, Cochrane, AB; Allan (Cathy) Okotoks, AB; Genevieve (Greg) Black, Raleigh, NC; Maureen, Bedford and Maura (Brian) Holmes, Halifax; grandchildren: Michael, Adam, Sarah, Rory, Andrew, Patrick, John, Daniel, Emily, Claire, Alec, Duncan, and Brennan; great grandchildren: Cameron, Emerson, Molina and Amelia. She leaves behind her sisters, Genevieve Whalen, Lorraine MacDonnell, Betty Lou Beaton, and her brother, Alec MacMaster. She was predeceased by her sister, Kathleen Beaton, and brothers, Hugh Allan ‘Buddy’ MacMaster and Gerry MacMaster. Also left behind are many nieces and nephews whom Jeannie was very fond of.

“Mom, your unconditional love will be in our hearts forever.”

Visitation will take place from 2 to 5 p.m.  on Wednesday, January 18th, in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes Ltd., 724 Granville Street in Port Hawkesbury.  A funeral Mass will take place 11 a.m., Thursday, January 19th, in St. Andrews Parish, 5486 Trunk 19, Judique, NS, with Rev. Allan MacMillan officiating. The funeral service will be recorded and viewable on our website. Reception to follow.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the St. Andrews Cemetery Fund, Judique. Special thanks from the family go to all those who cared for and support mom in her time of need. Online condolences may be directed to: www.haverstocks.com