Pauline Mary Brennan

Pauline Mary Brennan (née Weinberger), beloved wife of the late Thomas E. Brennan, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of faith, love and laughter. She was the devoted mother of Thomas, Jr. (Julie), Margaret (David) Radelet, John (Catherine), William (Lisa), Marybeth (James) Hicks, and Ellen (Peter) Campbell; cherished grandmother of 19; and proud great-grandmother of 27.

Born in 1929 in northwest Detroit of Siegfried and Theresa (Laub) Weinberger, Polly grew up in a lively German-speaking household filled with Old World traditions. Though her early life was marked by the profound loss of her parents and brothers, Joseph and Emanuel, tragedy never defined her. Sustained by deep faith and the guidance of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, she developed an indomitable spirit. At Immaculata High School, she famously balanced lofty ideals with youthful mischief—once skipping class to see Frank Sinatra perform.

At the University of Detroit, Polly met the love of her life, Tom Brennan. When they married in 1951, Tom promised she would never be alone again— a promise he kept as together, they raised six children. During their remarkable 67-year marriage, Polly’s insight and grace were integral to Tom’s career, from his service as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court to the founding of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. In 2023, the school recognized her myriad contributions with an honorary Juris Doctorate during its 50th-anniversary celebration.

Polly lit up every room with her warmth, quick humor, and irrepressible laugh. Known affectionately as “Pookie” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a loving presence, writing frequent notes and texts that were small masterpieces of the heart.

Above all, she was devoted to the Blessed Mother and believed her life’s work was to share her Catholic faith with her family and others. As she often said, “I don’t know what I’d do without my faith.” Her prayers for a happy death were surely answered.

A visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel, located at 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing 48823, on Monday, April 27th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary service at 7:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, located at 955 Alton Rd. East Lansing 48823, at 11 am, with a visitation at the church at 10 am. Followed by a luncheon at the University Club of MSU, located at 3435 Forest Rd, University Club, Lansing, MI 48910.

A private burial will take place the following day.

In thanksgiving for the extraordinary care and loving friendship of her many caregivers over the past five years, the family of Polly Brennan invites memorial contributions to:

Burcham Hills Retirement Center, 2700 Burcham Drive, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Heart to Heart Hospice, 2260 E Saginaw St, Suite A, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Polly also encouraged donations to the Shared Pregnancy Women's Center at 813 N Washington Ave. Lansing, MI 48906.