Marilyn Brennan Reich

Marilyn Ann Brennan Reich was born in 1928 in Chillicothe Missouri. She died peacefully with her family around her at her home in Birmingham Alabama on January 4, 2025, at the age of 96. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Dr Raymond James Brennan and Zita Catherine Haller Brennan, her husband, Harry Cobey Reich, and by her son, Thomas Gerard Reich. As a young woman, Marilyn was a swimmer, tennis player, golfer, lifeguard, talented pianist and singer; and a dancer who won awards in her youth. She experienced farm life for a portion of her childhood years and city life in Chillicothe with her two brothers, Bob and Ray Brennan, and one sister, Margaret. She loved to share farm life memories with her children and grandchildren.

After high school in Chillicothe she attended St Mary’s College at Notre Dame, IN, for several years where she met her husband, Harry Cobey Reich, who was a student at Notre Dame. She and Harry connected through the Notre Dame Glee Club in college, and their beautiful voices could be heard the remainder of their lives, whether singing at home with family, Marilyn playing her piano, or with their children in their pew at Catholic Mass on Sundays. Marilyn was a devout Catholic; her dedication and spiritual practices bolstered her through life’s challenges and afforded her a special ability to bring empathy, love and patience to her family, her friends and her active community life.

Marilyn and Harry were married in 1949, lived in Trussville AL where they raised their seven children until 1972, when they lost their family home to fire. She and Harry relocated in Birmingham in the Redmont neighborhood where she lived until her death. Marilyn was a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church until the time of her death. In addition to the sacrifices made to see seven children through St. Francis Xavier School, as well as John Carroll Catholic High School, Marilyn also served on the St. Francis Xavier Alter Sodality, Communion for the Homebound, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. In Trussville she is still remembered as a rock star Girl Scout Leader, a volunteer of many services at Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church, a cheerleader for her children at AAU swimming meets, a station wagon taxi driver for seven children, a busy cook who could also create decent leftovers to keep her large family on budget. She loved to garden, especially with bulbs and perennials and taught her children to plant and manage a vegetable garden. She worked with a florist for a time, was a talented seamstress, her sewing machine sometimes heard late at night if she had a deadline to make drapes, an outfit for a child or a gown for a special occasion. Creating and hosting social gatherings was a delight for Marilyn; she kept a notebook with details of many social and special events hosted at her home. The home was renamed “ Camp Lanark” in the summers as it hosted dozens of family members daily and for holidays around her large swimming pool.

A good sport to Harry - Marilyn learned to sail, and became a regular crew for Harry at the Birmingham Sailing Club (BSC) races , where she was often onboard their Thistle, as well as on their sailboat Favorite Girl in Destin where she sailed the Gulf Coast with Harry. A charter family member at BSC, she also involved her children in sailing, spending most weekends on the lake with family and friends for over sixty years. Marilyn loved to play bridge, was a real card shark and often came home the winner of her monthly bridge games that she was able to continue until a year ago.

Marilyn disdained gossip and preferred to offer advice, or suggestions, that were delivered in a quiet manner. She loved reading and nothing made her happier than a leisurely visit to a bookstore or a library. She fostered creativity in her children and grandchildren, always had art supplies to nurture their talents. There were many reasons people loved her: She was always kind, supportive, was interested in everyone’s lives, was good at listening and then helping with direction, always willing to forgive a harm or mistake. Marilyn and Harry created a family Endowment at Notre Dame University for Care of the Whole Patient, after losing a son to Hodgkins Lymphoma; the fund supports palliative care education for students at Notre Dame in health sciences. Marilyn also volunteered and supported the Catholic Center for Concern in Birmingham.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband of seventy five years, Harry, their son Thomas Gerard Reich, and is survived by six children: Catherine Pitek ( Michael), Anne Sunkel (Stephen), Mary Genevieve Letts ( David), Peter Reich, (Lori), David Reich ( Lisa), Elizabeth Pittman (John), eighteen grandchildren and twenty three great grandchildren. A favorite saying of Marilyn’s, when someone had done a notable good deed, was “ You’ve earned a star in heaven” The family is grateful to caregivers Bernadette McCollough, Kris McCullough, Gwen Johnson and Vivica McCollough and to the Compassus Hospice Team. Family suggests donations be made to: Benedictine Sisters Sacred Heart Monastery 916 Convent Road N E Cullman AL 35055 256-734-4622, or The Catholic Center for Concern 712 Fourth Court W Birmingham, AL 35204 205-786-4388, in Marilyn’s memory, or a charity of your choice. A Funeral Mass will be held at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Tuesday 14th of January 2025 11:00 AM. Visitation and luncheon to follow at 12:30 PM in the St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall.