Mary Breen

Mary Chamberlain Breen, age 94, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025. Born on June 18, 1931, in Chattanooga, TN, she was the beloved daughter of Catherine Seiner and James Robert Chamberlain.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, and faithful servant of God. She married the love of her life, Hugh Michael Breen, on August 27, 1955, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga, TN. They shared 62 wonderful years of marriage until Hugh’s passing.

A proud graduate of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, Mary continued her education at Sienna College in Memphis, Tennessee, earning her degree in education. She began her teaching career in Chattanooga before moving to Nashville, where she served the Christ the King School community as a dedicated and passionate teacher for over 20 years. Mary truly loved her students and her vocation.

Faith was central to Mary’s life. She was a deeply committed member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where she served as a lector and Eucharistic minister to the sick at St. Thomas Hospital. She was active in numerous ministries and organizations, including the Women’s Council, Ladies of Charity, Colonna Club, and the Diocese Council of Catholic Women (DCCW). Mary was also a devoted participant in the parish prayer chain, often sending out prayers and intercessions for those in need.

Mary was known for her gentle spirit, compassion, and deep kindness. A wonderful listener and a nurturing soul, she was considered a grandmother to many who didn’t have one of their own. She brought warmth, joy, and grace into every room and left an impression on everyone she met. Whether through her involvement in church activities, her love of bingo, or her ever-open heart, Mary inspired all with her angelic presence.

She is survived by her loving daughters: Marianna Breen-Lane, Michelle Breen-Jones, and Karen Breen; grandchildren: Angela (Cody) Terwilliger and Stephanie Baker; great-granddaughters: Taylor Thurman, Lyla Cwiakala-Jones, Natalie Nichols, Mia Baker, and Rosie Baker; sister: Kay Henson; and sisters-in-law: Gerry Chamberlain, Dorothy Williams, and Barbara Breen.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Hugh Michael Breen; granddaughter, Kelly Jones; son-in-law, Dennis Lane; siblings: Caroline “Jack” Messick, Joanne Bennett-Johnson, Elizabeth “Bob” Kuhn, and James “Jimmy” Chamberlain; and dear family members: uncles, Monsignor Albert Seiner and Monsignor Joseph Seiner; and cousins, Monsignor Leo Seiner and Father Albert Seiner.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212. A Catholic Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m., with burial immediately afterward at Calvary Cemetery 1001 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Tuition Assistance Fund, Father Ryan High School Tuition Assistance Fund. These causes were close to Mary’s heart and will continue her legacy of supporting Catholic education and faith-filled community.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Woodcrest for the special care, compassion, and attention they gave to their beloved mother in her final days.