Marian (Brennan) Nelson

To the family of Marian Nelson, Please accept my condolences for the passing of Marian. My parents, siblings, and I used to go to church at St. Thomas More in Kalamazoo so that's how we know her. She was always so nice to everyone at church!! Please know that I am praying for your family during this time. God's love be with you all, Melissa (Ritzer) Gast

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of beloved, Marian. I have always had great memories of Marian and Tony when I was in RCIA. They were always very welcoming and such a joy to be around. I always thought that they were the sweetest couple and I was planning my wedding at the time and I just kept thinking to myself that I hope my love for Keith would be that same wonderful partnership and love that they had for each other. They were always such great mentors to me. I was so very sad when Tony died so tragically. It just broke my heart. I know that they are now reunited and together again with the Lord. May God bless them both and your entire family. Love, Tammy Boneburg

Dear Brennans and Nelsons, I am so happy to have known Marian, her parents, Andrew and Matt. The Smyth family is very saddened by Marian's passing away and so very proud to have known her. My sincerest condolences, Kathleen Smyth Lampe

Dear Brennan family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your sister Marian. I do not remember her very well. We probably only met once a long time ago in Salt Lake. My brother Dan told us that she was sick with cancer which unfortunately I know about all too well. My wife passed from lung cancer in May 2019. So I have somewhat of an idea of the suffering that she went through. I read her obituary and was quite impressed with her life's accomplishments and how she really was a tremendous person. I hope to maybe catch up with you again Andrew. I am retired but went back to work part time. Most of my free time is spent with my two boys who live and work in San Francisco. Last November the boys and I did a running race around Lake Merrit in Oakland. It reminded me of the time that Andrew had that great studio next to Lake Merrit. That was a great place. Anyway, I am again very sorry for your loss and hope you guys are doing as well as can be expected. sincerely, Tom Smyth

Marian was one of a kind; she was such a joy to be around and always lifted my spirits. I was so honored to care for her over the last year. Marian was a fighter and did so with eloquence. I will miss seeing her smiling face. Sending my deepest condolences to her wonderful family, whom she cared so deeply about. I love Marian and she will always have a place in my heart! Love, Cassie Kuhn (Huntsman at Home)

Marian was really a Walking Good Heart. She was a consummate professional in Religious Education at Holy Family Parish and I had the privilege of working with her. May she enjoy her reunion with Tony and her beloved Jesus. Marsha Adamczyk

I am so sorry for your loss. The world is a better place because of Marian's life. She was a. Inspiration to me and a solid rock in times of trouble for me and my family. Her love lives on!

How fortunate we have been being blessed with Marian’s presence and grace! She channeled Gods joy and goodness ALWAYS! My favorite memory was a Pentecost Sunday when the visiting priest did not show up. There was Marian, in her red dress, up on the alter leading us through a dynamic service. The energy she brought to our community was beyond words. We’ll hold her (and Tony) close to our hearts especially during the Easter Triduum and mystagogy. We are so very sorry for your loss. Terry Brown and Lue Cervone

Dear Family, I'm so sorry about your mother. She was kind, thoughtful, intelligent and a lot of fun! I knew both your mother and father quite well in college. I was also a Pi Phi and Tony was an SAE and one of his fraternity brothers and fellow swim team member, Kim, and I double dated with them many time over 3 years. We had great fun! "Pig's Dinner" (basically a HUGE banana split served in a wooden trough) at a local ice cream shop after swim meets, Pi Phi and SAE formals and parties and many times pizza and movie double dates. I have so many fond memories of them during our college years. Your parents left you a great legacy. I was privileged to know them. My deepest condolences to the family. Margaret Anne Murphy Lozuk Carlsbad, California

It was a blessing to us to know Marian in her unlimited compassion and giving to us, personally, and others in our community. She was very energetic about hand clapping while singing hymns. We loved her beautiful smile and ability to really listen to you when you were talking. May she find peace and happiness in her reunion with Tony in Heaven!

Our loss is heaven’s gain! The joy Marian shared on this earth was unmeasurable! I first met Marian (and Tony) in 1996 when we began the RCIA program at St Tom’s. The support she gifted me with through the years was immeasurable! She was the first person to visit me after a difficult kidney surgery. When my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer, she would call to simply check in and offer encouragement, “Every day is a gift”. It was not unusual to return from an exhausting day with doctors to find soup she had dropped off at my front door. In later years, we would see each other at the Art Institute gleaning enrichment... Marian always coming from the preparing meals for the homeless. What a treasure her gentle manner and genuine smile was for all. She will be missed. I pray for strength as your family deals with you loss and pride for all Marian accomplished in her humble life! Blessings to each of you!

Sincere condolences to Marian's family. Sad to hear this news. Marian was an incredible person-- loving and welcoming to so many. Libby HC

I was so saddened to hear of Marion's passing ! I met her at St. Tom's in Kalamazoo and she was the nicest, sweetest person. She always took the time to talk to all. Our loss is heavens gain ! Tony and Marion...together again !

I was blessed to have the opportunity of leading a delegation including both Tony and Marian to El Salvador and getting to know them much better. They were both very special people. I miss Marian's positive energy and deep faith- she was a clear example for any person of faith. I treasure the shawl that both she and Tony made me when I temporarily left for Boston in 2011. Hoping that they both, united, continue the good fight from the other side of eternity. Blessings and prayers to her family.

I’m very sorry to hear of Marian’s passing. I remember always being greeted at St Tom’s by her enormous smile. I wish your family strength during this time of healing. -Sondra Menefee (Romano)

Marian was such a wonderful friend. She had the most amazing grace and positive attitude in all the difficulties that life threw at her. I feel lucky to have been able to visit her in home in Salt Lake City and see all the landmarks from her early years. She treasured all the memories.