"How could anyone be as consistently kind and thoughtful as Ellen? Those traits filled her spirit. I cherish conversations with her; cards from her. Such a good listener - and such a hard worker. So much we all learned from her. So grateful to have had the opportunity to know her. "
In loving memory of
Mrs. Brennan
November 29, 1931 - July 20, 2014
Ellen M. Brennan, 82 of Indianapolis, died Sunday July 20, 2014, at home, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of John August and Alice Rhodus Martens, she was born November 29, 1931 in Mexico, Missouri, where she always felt fortunate to have spent her early life. After two years at Hollins College, Ellen married Thomas W. Brennan of Detroit Michigan in 1951 and continued her studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Their first child was born in 1954m shortly before Tom entered the Air Force, when they enjoyed the wonderful experience of living first in Cheyenne , Wyoming, then in Newmarket, England. After Tom's service in the Air Force, they returned to Michigan, where their daughter and second son were born. In 1960 and again in 1972 the family moved to Indianapolis and Ellen resumed her studies, this time at IUPUI, graduating in 1975. She completed her master's degree in Spanish at Indiana University, Bloomington in 1979 and that same year began her rewarding thirty-one career at IUPUI,initially as an associate instructor and later as a lecturer, a career she was grateful for, as it allowed her to share her love of Spanish, but even more, as she valued the contact with colleagues and, above all, with students. Special interests of Ellen's include reading - in English and in Spanish, studying French, traveling, cooking and genealogical research.
Ellen leaves her husband; her son Warren Brennan of Indianapolis and his wife, Diana; her daughter Anne Brennan Belden of Cape Elizabeth Maine and her husband , John; and her son John M. Brennan of Indianapolis and his wife, Ivani; her grandchildren, Ariane and Ellen Brennan; Thomas J. Brennan; Zach and Lydia Belden; her step-grandson, Daniel Giraldo; and a number of dear friends, near and far, who along with her devoted and much loved family, have been a great source of comfort and pleasure during her illness. Much appreciated also was the excellent and compassionate care of Dr. Andrew Greenspan and his staff, and the kindness of all those whom she encounter at the I.U. North Hospital.
The family will receive friends at Leppert Mortuary, 740 E. 86th Street, in Nora on Saturday, July 26 2:00 pm, followed by a brief memorial service. Friends will then be invited to the family's home for a reception to celebrate Ellen's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any charity benefitting children or animals.
Tributes
"Ellen made me smile - she radiated a kindness that could not be ignored and she had the gift of encouragement that seems to characterize all great teachers. I will miss but remember her."
"Ellen was a unique, loving individual who had a heart of gold. She always thought of others before herself, and she opened her home to anyone who she felt needed to have a friend. She left an everlasting mark on the lives of hundreds of students who will remember her as the solid, caring teacher that she was. "
"I am in the English Department but for many years had an office on the 5th floor where Ellen's office was, and she was always so friendly! She and I chatted many times, and it was clear she loved teaching and her students. I know her family and friends will miss her greatly, and will also celebrate her good life and character."
"Ellen's kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others made her one of the dearest persons you could ever meet, truly "entrañable." She has been a role model of collegiality,humility and serene friendliness. It has been a privilege to work with her for the last twenty years. She will be greatly missed. "
"Ellen was a dear colleague whose dedication, openness and friendliness made her a delight to know. I enjoyed very much working with her over the years. We will miss her. "
"Ellen was a dear and devoted colleague here in the Program in Spanish at IUPUI. Not only did her co-workers and I admire her skills inside and outside the classroom, but her students adored her. Her retirement marked an absence in our Program that we can never fill, and I will miss her greatly. I am better for having known her."
"Mrs. Ellen was a woman of kind words and a wonderful spirit. Even though Ellen was not feeling well, she always made it a point to ask how my day was going. If there was anything new with my son Makai and I. She had such a wonderful spirit. Although I know we shall meet again, she will truly be missed."