Marie Catherine Brennan

Marie Catherine Brennan, age 68, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, after a long illness. A longtime resident of Reading, MA, Marie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Born in Boston, MA, Marie was raised in Reading and graduated with the Reading Memorial High School Class of 1974. She attended Northeastern University in Boston, earning a B.S. in respiratory therapy in 1978. She held clinical and nursing roles at the former Choate Memorial Hospital in Woburn, MA, as well as MedStar Washington Hospital Center and The George Washington University Hospital during her time in Washington, D.C. She then attended The George Washington University, graduating in 1984 with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in biology.

Marie enjoyed writing and contributed to several newspapers, including the Daily Times Chronicle upon returning to Massachusetts in 1984. She later wrote the weekly column School Notes for the Chronicle.

A lifelong fan of music and the arts, Marie supported various nonprofits and previously served on the Board of Directors at Creative Arts in Reading. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church and a volunteer at Mission of Deeds, both in Reading.

Marie’s hobbies included reading, gardening, and stained glass. She loved dogs and had several golden retriever companions over the years, including Carrie, Katie, Russell, and Sampson.

She is deeply missed by her loving husband of 42 years, Joseph Taylor, M.D., of Reading, MA; daughter, Sarah Taylor, of Los Angeles, CA; son, Ryan Taylor, of Reading, MA; brother, Robert Brennan, and his wife, Julieanne (Vito) Brennan, of St. Augustine, FL; and brother, Richard Brennan, Ph.D., and his partner, Maria Schumacher, Ph.D., of Durham, NC. She was predeceased by her mother, Marie (Flaherty) Brennan, of Reading, MA.

Coming from a line of strong Irish women, Marie embodied that spirit—even through her final days. Marie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading for their compassionate care.

An open memorial celebration will be held at the family’s home in Reading on Friday, June 27, from 4–7 p.m. and Saturday, June 28, from 4–7 p.m. Please contact the family or the funeral home for the address.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Marie’s memory to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, Sawtelle Family Hospice House, or Winchester Hospital.