Betty Sue Brenneman

Sue was born on November 30, 1932, in Abilene, Texas, to William Isaac Widener and Adeline Morris Widener. She graduated from Abilene High School and attended McMurry College where she met the love of her life, Richard P. Brenneman. They married in 1952, and together they built a family and a life filled with love, deep faith, and unwavering devotion until his passing in 1996.

Although they moved often throughout her married life, Sue always created a warm and loving home for her family. They eventually settled in Houston in 1972. Her deep faith played an important role in her life. She became a dedicated member of Fair Haven United Methodist Church, where she was a joyful member of the handbell choir. Her church family was her rock during life’s most difficult times.

Known for her fierce independence, Sue’s kindness and bright smile could light up a room wherever she went. She was a devoted wife, companion and caregiver to her husband. She served as the heart and soul of her family, and cherished her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Everyone knows she loved cheering on the Astros and eating at Juarez Mexican Restaurant. Her strength and fighting spirit were always evident, especially when she beat cancer at 80 years old. She lived her life with resilience and grace.

She is survived by her children, William P. Brenneman & wife Sheryl, and Karen Morgan & husband Bill; her grandchildren Lindsay Santich & Justin, Colin Santich & Tashina, Kelly Day & Scott, Andrew Brenneman, Susan Morgan, Ellen Morgan & Andrew, and Robert Morgan; and her great-grandchildren Kyler, Colton, and Tenley Santich, Ethan & Lilianna Day, and Blakely & Chandler Reyes. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Ann Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard P. Brenneman, and son Richard E. Brenneman, daughter Diane Santich, as well as her great-granddaughter Olivia Day.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Parsons House Cypress and Bayou City Hospice, and will always be grateful for their love, care and compassion for “Grandma Sue”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter (6055 S Loop E, Houston, TX 77087) or to Fair Haven United Methodist Church (1330 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77055) in her memory. Sue’s family and friends will remember her as joyful, strong, and deeply loving—qualities that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

“I’ve had a great life. I had the best husband and the best family.”