Obituary of Daphne J. Brennan

Daphne J. Brennan, 85, of Whiting, passed away Monday, August 06, 2018 at RWJ University Hospital in New Brunswick.  Daphne was born and raised in London, England.  She met the love of her life, Jim Brennan, while out on the town with her girlfriends in London.  They married quickly and Daphne moved her life to Jersey City, NJ where she was embraced by Jim’s large and loving family.  Jim and Daphne relocated to Chicago with their four daughters for Jim’s job, but happily returned home in 1969 when Jim got his next promotion.  They settled in Middletown and the 5th Brennan girl was born.  Jim and Daphne golfed, bowled, played bridge and were active members of the Oak Hill Association.  The loving couple never missed a party for family or friends and they were the first ones on the dance floor.  Daphne enjoyed taking the girls to the beach club all summer and was the mom who stayed late at the beach. 

   As life moved on, 11 beloved grandchildren joined the family and a great-granddaughter was born much to Daphne’s delight.  Daphne and Jim moved to Whiting where Daphne continued to expand her circle of friends including her beloved bridge clubs.  She played a high level of duplicate bridge and loved to review bridge hands with Jim, which always resulted in laughter.  Daphne was a voracious reader and was happy to see that trait passed on to her grandkids.  Daphne’s love of life shone through each and every day.  She was adored by her family and by everyone she met.  Daphne celebrated life, and she was very excited that the next great-granddaughter is on the way.         

   Daphne is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, James J. Brennan; five daughters: Linda Brennan Kuhl, Debbie (& Jimmy) Steele, Carolann (& Jim) McGowan, Janice (& Tim)  Shea and  Elizabeth Brennan; 11 grandchildren:  Ryan Kuhl, Jimmy (& Waylon) Steele,  Shannon (& Mitchell) Morrell, and Lauren and Catherine Steele; Michael, Brian and Shawn McGowan;  TJ (Tim), Kristen and Dana Shea; and great-granddaughter, Carolyn Morrell.  Daphne also had a loving relationship with her Clark family and close friends in England.

   Visitation will be Thursday, August 9th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, 28 Schoolhouse Rd, Whiting, with a service to be held at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.