Mrs. Rose Marie Brennan, a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away February 11, 2017, at her home under the loving care of her husband and family.
Rose Marie Rudershausen was born to Joseph Henry Rudershausen and Sophie Ellen Rudershausen (Frommelt) in Brooklyn, New York on August 4, 1932. She graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School at the age of 16 with multiple math awards. She was on an academic path to become a teacher. Her father’s unexpected death changed her dreams of teaching. Working to help support her mother and sister, Helen, became her priority. She obtained a job working for New York Bell where she became a supervisor.
While enjoying her time on the beach one day, July 4, 1953, she met her future husband, James “Jimmy” Brennan. He had handsome red hair and a brand-new car. Her husband, upon reflection, related that the day they met they felt that they had known each other forever, however they dated for 8 years and finally married February 17, 1962. On January 17, 1963, Jo Ann, their daughter, was born. Rose Marie loved being a wife and mother. Throughout the years, her motherly love was bestowed to all her nieces and nephews.
April 1969, because of a corporate move of her husband’s company, Shepard’s Citations, they relocated to Colorado Springs. Rose Marie loved to cook. This love led to a career as a Cafeteria Manager for District 11 schools. She was responsible for managing the kitchens of nine district schools.
During her free time, she was a neighborhood watch captain, girl scout leader and loved to bake. She loved to host parties for family and friends. She loved to read.
Her daughter, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children naturally gravitated to her for help with homework, especially math assignments. She volunteered for the Tuberous Sclerosis Society. Rose Marie was a spiritual woman and her Catholic faith was very important. She was a member of Divine Redeemer Church. She volunteered for many church activities. She was a Christopher and delivered Eucharist to the sick and elderly at local nursing homes. She participated in the Women’s Club, craft fairs and Parish dinners. She assisted with the food pantry and delivered holiday food baskets to families in need. April 2003, she received the 99th out of 100 Gold Coin Parish Medal for Outstanding Service to her Divine Redeemer Church Community.
Her hobbies included square and round dancing. The love of dancing led her and her husband on many travels across the western USA.
Rose Marie is survived by her loving husband, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her daughter: Jo Ann; and her sister: Helen.
A visitation will be held Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 926 Farragut Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. A Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2017 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church. Private inurnment at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked for memorial contributions in Rose Marie’s name to be made to Divine Redeemer Catholic Church’s “Food Pantry”, 926 Farragut Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.