Phyllis Jean (Kersey) Brennan, 98, of Overland Park, Kansas, died on October 24, 2025, at daughter Molly’s home, surrounded by family. Just a week prior, she was sipping her favorite beverage, a margarita, as she lived life to its fullest!
Born February 10, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa to George and Marcella (Walsh) Kersey, Phyllis graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy High School in Des Moines and The University of Iowa with a degree in Home Economics. Phyllis was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She used her college degree working for KC Dairy Council and Guaranteed Foods, educating children and families in nutrition. Her career life continued when she moved to H&R Block where she remained until her retirement in 1989.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Ross, and beloved husband Dave of 50 years. Surviving family members include her five children Nancy Rafferty (Tim), Susie Bower (Paul), Barbie Brennan (Ray Lopez), Joe Brennan (Au), and Molly Morrissey (Joe), her grandchildren Nicole Brennan (Fernando Diaz), Katie Martinez (Manny), Bridget Lissner (Matt), Michael Brennan (Meghan), Kelly McGrade (Michael), Molly Powell (David), Katie Doller (Jon-Michael), Matthew Bower, Wint Doering (Amanda), and Charley Doering (Taylor). Her greatest joy (really, they got the best hugs) were her nineteen great-grandchildren MJ, Molly, and McKenzie Martinez, Walt and Margot McGrade, Jack and Maeve Brennan, Mateo Brennan Diaz, Catherine, Rosie, and Bunnie Powell, Callan and Adira Lissner, Anikai, Olivia, and Arthur Doering, Theo and Bennie Doller, and Hadley and Baby Boy Doering arriving Spring 2026.
Married to Dave Brennan in 1952, Dave & Phil raised five children. Phyllis was a devoted Queen of the Holy Rosary parishioner, which included Perpetual Adoration Hour, Hospital Eucharistic Minister, funeral mass lunch services, countless parish activities and Ladies of Charity. Dave and Phil became dedicated Kansas City community volunteers, which included Rotary and area hospitals. Once the kids were up and off the payroll, Phil and Dave became active travelers, especially enjoying Europe. Phyllis also enjoyed her hobbies of golf, bridge, gardening, cooking and sewing.
Following Dave’s death in 2003, Phyllis moved to Villa Medici and reinvented herself as friend, neighbor, and doubled down as a volunteer, and world traveler. Mondays were dedicated to the great grandchildren in the morning, followed by “wine night”. When Phyllis arrived in Thailand a few years ago, she jumped off the airplane and promptly said, “I want to ride an elephant!”, which she did, at age 91!
A strong matriarch of the family, Grandma Brennan instilled strong character and Brennan Family values into the fabric and culture of the Brennan’s which will live on through future generations to come.
Services will be held on Friday, November 7th at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 7023 W. 71st Street in Overland Park, KS. visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Queen of the Holy Rosary Church or Kansas City Rotary Youth Camp.
