Shrewsbury – Alice Brennan’s struggle with lung cancer ended peacefully in the comfort of her own home Thursday, April 7, 2016, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 73.
Alice E. Buckley was born Sept. 25, 1942 in Mineola, N.Y., daughter of the late John and Alice (Walker) Buckley. She graduated from the former Holy Rosary Academy in Amityville, N.Y. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1964, and remained a dedicated member of the Boston College community. She was active in the BC Alumni Association, and was the Grand Marshall of her 50th class reunion.
Alice married fellow BC alum Paul Brennan May 6, 1967 in St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville, N.Y. They moved to Shrewsbury in 1972 and made the community their home.
After raising her four children, Alice continued her career in education. She began working in Worcester’s Head Start Program. She also went on to earn her Master’s in Education degree from Worcester State College. She taught kindergarten for a short time at Coolidge School and then at Beal School until 1997. She served as a curriculum specialist from 1997-2007, and as principal of Beal School from 2007 until her well-deserved retirement in 2012.
She became a well-recognized face in the community, not only for her love of Beal School, the children, and their families, but also for her treasured Friday sing-alongs. After retirement, Alice often made special guest appearances at Beal School. This fulfilled her need to connect with the children, the community, and the staff she loved so very much.
Alice believed in giving back to the community, and did this by volunteering her time for many causes. Retirement afforded Alice the opportunity to attend Mass daily at Saint Mary’s Church, where she served as Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She truly exemplified love in action through her generosity, selflessness, and faith. Whether it was a Meals on Wheels or a family in need, Alice was always there.
Alice was happiest when she was surrounded by her loving family and her many friends, but especially her precious grandchildren. “Nana” or “Nanee” spent countless hours caring for them, and relished in the joy she received from helping her own children raise them. She also enjoyed her daily walks with her best four-legged friend, Bella.
In heaven Alice joins her parents and her siblings, John Buckley, Helen Marie Kuhn and Kevin Buckley, and sister-in-law, Linda Finneran. In life she leaves her husband of 48 years, Paul E. Brennan; their children, Michael L. Brennan and his wife Heather of North Grafton, Paul T. “Terry” Brennan of Boylston, Susan E. de Gruchy and her husband Robert of Shrewsbury, and John B. Brennan and his wife Cristina of North Grafton; her grandchildren, John-Paul, Brian, Owen, Elle, and Luke; her siblings, Daniel Buckley of Rhode Island, and Denis Buckley and Jerry Buckley, both of New York; her brother-in-law, Charles Brennan and his wife Diane of New York; and many nieces and nephews.
Alice’s family is grateful for the support, care, and compassion shown to her and her family by the community, her friends, and her caregivers.
Her funeral Mass was celebrated April 11 at Saint Mary’s Church of Shrewsbury followed by burial in Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorials in her name may be made to the Shrewsbury Education Foundation, 55 Gulf St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or Lung Cancer Alliance, P.O. Box 418372, Boston, MA 02241-8372.
