Shirley M Brennan

Shirley Mae (Rosch) Brennan was born on July 12, 1930 in Chicago, IL. She went home to the Lord surrounded by family on June 6, 2026. Shirley was a woman who valued faith, family and friends. This was visible in her life – and even her death – as she sang the Lord’s praises and a steady stream of people came to say good-bye. Shirley was not a spark who lit up a room. She was a firecracker. Highly energetic. Lively. Outspoken. Full of passion and fun. She was extraordinarily loved.

Shirley was a people magnet, and one of the people she attracted was a young Tom Brennan who she met at St. Gregory High School. It was love at first sight. And while she liked to boast of playing hard to get, those who know her don’t believe it. Her love for Tom was just too obvious. It was mutual - a love reflected in their eyes, their banter, and an enduring every day friendship that lasted for more than 65 years.

She and Tom married on October 7, 1950 with Tom walking away with the prettiest girl in high school on his arm as he told us often. It was a reputation Shirley lived up to throughout her life. She always dressed for the role, whether going to a wedding, a neighborhood barbeque, a family party, even dinner at home or just a trip to Target. Shirlifying ™ became a trademarked behavior.

Together she and Tom raised four children, Mary (John) Scheibel, Susan (Tom) Schnell, Tom (Kate) Brennan, Therese (Bruce) Schauer. They were all there holding her hands during her passing. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Patrick (Lucero), Kevin (Trisha), Melissa (Josh), Erin (Kevin), Brian (Kristie), Taylor (Johnny), Kelsey (Nick), Maggie (Sam), Catherine (Chris), Brittany (Scott) and Jaime (Jeff). Together this crew brought Shirley 34 great grandchildren. The bible says you are blessed if you live to see your children’s children. Blessed beyond measure, her children’s children’s children were Shirely’s greatest joy.

Shirley is also survived by her sister and best friend, Delores, her brother Peter, her sister-in-law Roe, and their families. She is also survived by her nephew Patrick (Kathy) Hynes, and numerous wonderful friends, including many from Clarendale, where she lived for the past seven years. There are no words to describe the importance of the care she received there and the friendships she made. Shirley is preceded

in death by her mother and father, her husband, Tom, her sister, Diane, her great granddaughter, Kennedy, and many other family and friends.

A memorial service to praise the Lord for the blessing of Shirley’s life will be held on July 12, 2026 at 2:00 at the Village Church of Barrington, 1600 E. Main Street, Barrington, IL. The family will start receiving guests at 1:30. A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s name can be made to Honor Flight of Chicago at www.honorflightchicago.org This is a wonderful organization that her son, Tom, volunteers for.

What is the measure of success? If it’s money, Shirley isn’t on the list. But if it’s an enduring faith during the midst of tremendous struggles, and the number of people who love you, our mom was a modern-day George Bailey – the richest person in town. We’re thankful for the Lord’s love, the salvation she has in Jesus and the many, many people who loved her. She loved you right back.