Sister Mary Brennan, OP

July 13, 2017

Sister Mary Brennan, OP, who entered religious life as Sister Mary David, died at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose motherhouse in Fremont on June 21. She made perpetual profession in 1959 and was 87 years old. Sister Mary was born in San Francisco and attended St. Monica School through second grade when the family moved to Oakland. There she attended schools including St. Elizabeth High School where she later would serve for 18 years as teacher and principal. Sister Mary held degrees in history, English, counseling, and was a licensed marriage and family counselor.

“Sister had a passion for education, striving always to instill in children confidence and a sense of self built upon faith in a loving God,” the sisters said. “Her joy for life and her sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.”

A funeral Mass was celebrated June 26 at the motherhouse. Remembrances may be made to Vision of Hope, the Dominican Sisters’ Foundation for the support of inner-city schools, 1555 34th Ave., Oakland 94601.