Beverly Margaret Brennan

Beverly Margaret Brennan, 91 years young, passed away on July 21st at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus. She was born on November 25, 1926 in Schenectady, NY, the daughter of Joseph and Ruth Lillian (King) Vanier. She married her husband of 68 years, Joseph Patrick Brennan, on June 21, 1947. Beverly is survived by her daughters, Jean Patz (husband, Jonathan), Jane Snodgrass (husband, Dan) and Sherrie Bryant (husband, Paul); grandchildren Jake Snodgrass, Jesse Snodgrass (wife, Shanee), Riley Keshner (wife, Alex), Evan Patz, and Katie Bryant; and great-grandchildren Joya, Gus, and Lucia Rose Snodgrass. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Brennan, her sister, Helene Scrafford, and her great-granddaughter, Priya Jean Snodgrass.

Beverly met Joe at the local skating rink and fell madly in love with him at only 10 years old. She graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, NY and waited several long years for Joe to return from World War II. They were married not long afterward. She became a bookkeeper at Schenectady Trust Company, and ultimately, after taking chemistry courses, worked as the lab technician for 21 years at the Shelbyville Wastewater Treatment Plant, retiring in 1989. Her favorite jobs of all, however, were being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Always active in her community, Bev was one of the originators of the Little Sisters program in Shelbyville. She also served on the Election Board for 47 years, was a lifetime member on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army, a member of the Acorn Club, a faithful donor to the Major Hospital Foundation, served as past president of the Mothers of Twins Club and Chairman of the Ladies’ Golf League, later becoming secretary of the league at the Elks Club golf course. She was also a congregation member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 50 years, serving on the St. Ann’s Altar Society and singing in the St. Joseph’s choir.

Bev and her husband Joe shared a passion for dancing, winning many jitterbug competitions in their day. They were also both avid golfers who loved the outdoors—particularly the beach in Florida, where they spent every winter for over 25 years. Bev was no stranger to accomplishments, winning numerous ladies’ golf titles, and even being given the honor by the Mayor of a “Beverly Brennan Day” in Shelbyville. She found a special joy in music and art, spending many hours relaxing by painting brightly colored scenery with oils and later watercolor. She enjoyed writing poetry for family and friends during special occasions, and was a voracious reader, an accomplished baker, and a hobby pianist.

Beverly, or “Grandma Mimi,” as her grandchildren would call her, was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. But even to the stranger on the street, she was friendly and kind-hearted. She lived a full and active life right up until the end. She will be remembered for being the shining light of positivity, for being cheeky and silly; for never forgetting a single birthday, anniversary, or holiday; for her generosity, her spirit, and her fierce, never-ending love for her beloved husband, Joe.

Graveside services and burial will be at the Converse Cemetery in Lathrop, MO at 11 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2018. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Salvation Army, 136. E. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176, or the MHP Hospital Foundation, 2451 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville, Indiana, 46176.

Service: 11AM, Monday, July 30, 2018 at Converse Cemetery, Lathrop, MO