Mary Olivia Brennan
February 9, 1961 - August 10, 2023
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Olivia Brennan was held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Rev. Paul Kelly officiated the service. Mary was laid to rest in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Emmetsburg.
Mary Olivia Partee Brennan daughter of Walter and Frances “Rainey” Partee was born February 9, 1961 in Atlanta, Georgia. She started her education at Piedmont High and graduated from Newton County High School. Following high school Mary worked in her Dad’s hardware store. She loved unloading trucks and putting items together especially at Christmas time.
Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother, coach’s wife, and friend. She had the kindest heart. She loved cheering for her Georgia Bulldogs, keeping Coach in check, and being with her family. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and she loved them dearly.
Mary swelled with pride while attending events that Bobby and Susan were in; sitting in the stands being the number 1 fan of the Coach and feeling great pride while she watched Mike work, laughing with family and friends at family get togethers and snow!
Mary wore many hats during her lifetime. She worked at Hardware Hank in Emmetsburg and then began working in the school system. She started a computer concepts course (CCC) which was very helpful for many people. Mary was most proud of becoming a nurse at the age of 44, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She later worked as a nurse then as a para-educator at West Elementary. After that she went to work at Emmetsburg Catholic School as a para-educator where the kids and Mary shared a special bond.
Mary loved planning family vacations. She loved the beach, swimming in the ocean and finding sand dollars with her family. Mary’s faith was very important to her. Throughout her life it allowed her to face many illnesses. Through lupus and 2 battles with cancer, a heart transplant and in the last year, many bouts of pneumonia.
Mary was the most courageous, caring, selfless person. She never complained about the poking and prodding during the many medical procedures. At the end of every procedure she always thanked the person who performed it. Throughout the years, many nurses commented that she was the best patient they ever had. Mary touched many lives in her 62 years and made everyone around her better.
Mary passed away Thursday August 10, 2023 in Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota surrounded by her loving family who never left her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Frances Partee, and a brother and sister in law Bob and Mary Brennan. She is survived by her husband Mike of Emmetsburg, Iowa; her children Bobby Webb of Emmetsburg and his wife Kendra, Susan Webb of Urbandale and her fiancé RJ Duvall; three grandchildren, Lily Olivia, Lily Ann, and Bennett Michael who all called Mary “Mimi”; three sisters, Linda and Mason Stephenson of Atlanta, Georgia, Jimmie Ruth and Wayne Rooks of Lexington, South Carolina, and Kathy and Jack Lunsford of Jacksonville, Florida; brothers and sisters in law Tim and Bev Jackson, John and Ruthann Haywood and Jean Steger; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmetsburg Catholic School.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
martinmatticefuneralhome.com
