Mary Lou Brennan

Mary Lou Brennan, 87, of Springfield, passed away at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center. Mary Lou was born December 4, 1929 in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph F. and Lois E. Argus Shaughnessy. She married Paul Alexander Brennan at St. Joseph Church on December 2, 1950. Mary Lou graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1947 and retired from the Illinois Department of Revenue. She was a member of Christ the King, where she was active with the Over 50 Club, Altar and Rosary Society, and St. Louise de Marillac Guild. She volunteered at St. Johns Hospital as a Good Samaritan for more than 10 years. Mary Lou enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, crocheting, and working crossword puzzles; however, her greatest love was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Doris J. Reid. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Paul A. Brennan of Springfield; son, Jay Brennan; daughters, Jean Marie Brennan, Judy Lynn (Barry) McAnarney, Julie Ann (Stephen) Shields, and Janet Lee (Steve) Tapocik, all of Springfield; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Maureen McAnarney, Colin (Kate) McAnarney, Matthew P. (Michelle) McAnarney, Stephen Shields, Lindsey Brennan Shields, Alexander Paul Shields, Michele (Ben) Helmers, Sean Brennan Tapocik, and Erin Danielle Tapocik; great-grandchildren, Jacob Helmers, Darby McAnarney and Max and Lila McAnarney; seven siblings, Aurzella Staten of Springfield, Lois M. Jirgal of Springfield, Joseph F. (Rosemary) Shaughnessy of St. Louis, MO, Ruth M. (Richard) Pohlman of Springfield; Katherine (Harry) Monahan of Neuberg, IN, Barbara (Jerry) Sams of Springfield, and Patricia (Jim) Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to services. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the Parish Life Center at Christ the King Church, 1920 Barberry, Springfield. Concelebrated Mass: 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Christ the King with Msgr. David S. Lantz and Rev. Daniel Shaughnessy, concelebrants. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1 N. LaSalle, Suite 12, Attn: Memorials and Tributes, Chicago, IL 60602.