Ruth I Brennan

Ruth Isabel (Matteson) Brennan (97), a long-time West Springfield, MA, resident, was safely called home on November 8, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born March 14, 1926, in Springfield, MA, as the second daughter to John and Mable Matteson, her fun-loving and lively disposition never wavered, regardless of life’s surprises. Until her recent illness, she lived independently in her home for 60 years. With a smile that could light up a room, she was indefatigable and utterly loveable; Ruth worked until her 84th birthday. While providing full-time care for her growing brood, she supported the family business (Miner’s Hardware) as the office manager and accountant. She later worked at Hanover Insurance for several years, then as the receptionist and insurance claims processor for Dr. Gary Graziano, Chiropractic. Ruth loved life and was constantly working with her hands and mind. Whether sewing, cooking, gardening, playing cards, reading, or solving crossword puzzles, she had an unwavering positive attitude and a ready smile. She was very particular about fashion and had a great sense of style. Large family gatherings were a staple, with no birthday, holiday, or special occasion overlooked. Her homemade apple pies, canned jams and pickles, kitchen aprons, placemats and napkin sets, and beach tote bags were the hallmarks of her creativity, generosity, and kindness. Ruth and Raymond A. Brennan were happily married for 43 years until his passing in 1989. Through a chance meeting several years later, she and Henry Pickett, a childhood family friend, reconnected and fell in love. Over the next 20 years, they enjoyed a tender relationship that included travel, dancing, casinos, and more. Her adoring family and lifelong friends will miss her sorely, including Bernadette Johnston. She is reunited with Josephine Brennan, Lydia and Marge Pearsall, Ann Duffy, and Shirley Matteson, who left this life too soon.
Her spirit is carried on through her eight children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She is survived by Dale Brennan, Susan Brennan, Pamela Mariarossi and Gary, Sally Carlson and Richard, Nancy Brennan, Kimberly Brennan, Heather Brennan, Andrew and Jeanette Brennan. She will be sorely missed by her nieces Janice Barnette and John, Kathy Giordano and Tony, and her nephew Robert Brennan and Joy. She also leaves behind her devoted grandchildren: Alec Baclawski, Courtney Coty and Brian, Jack Suarez, Christopher Mariarossi, Darien Mariarossi, Alannah Walker and Brandon, Kyle Brennan and Adrianna, Matteson Nadeau, Ian Nadeau, Aaron Nadeau, Katherine Mosher, Meredith Mosher, Kelton Anderson and Julissa Anderson, and her great-grandchildren: Chase and Luke Coty, Jude and Rhiannon Walker, and Wesley Giro. The Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home of West Springfield, MA, has been entrusted with the interment arrangements at Paucatuck Cemetery, West Springfield, MA, where she will peacefully reside with her parents and other relatives with a spring burial. Calling hours are Friday November 17, 2023 from 4-7PM at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the care providers from the Baystate Visiting Nurses and Home Hospice Services for their supreme kindness and consideration. Please consider memorial contributions in Ruth’s memory to the West Springfield Public Library at https://wspl.org/get-involved/capital-campaign . For visitation information and condolences, please visit the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral home website