Joanne Brennan Obituary

Joanne Elizabeth Brennan passed peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Durango, Colorado. She had reached the incredible age of 93. Joanne was born February 17, 1933 to James Arthur and Kathleen Pearce (nee Brice) in her hometown of Durango.

She was proud of her Irish origins, proud to be a Durango pioneer and proud to be a lifelong Durango native. She followed a long family history of Durango High School graduates. She met and married "Charley" Brennan on June 14, 1951, and the two raised six children, who they considered their treasures.

Joanne excelled at making her home a loving environment for her children and their families, as well as supporting Charley in the Brennan Oil Company. After Charley's passing in 2019, she jokingly and lovingly announced that she was now the matriarch of the family and CEO of the Company to keep her kids in line and carry on the Brennan legacy.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and in her earlier years participated in the Altar and Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters.

Joanne was an avid card player with her lady friends and was passionate about bridge, putting together jigsaw puzzles and caring for her yard. Blue skies, pink sunsets, starry nights and full moons brought joy to her life. She chronicled family events by memorializing them in writing along with the weather on her garage wall. Words cannot express the love and service that Joanne provided to her family and friends.

She is survived by her children Judith Brennan Schmidt, Kelly (Michelle), Kevin (Shanna), Charlie (Christi), Kegan (Aimee) and daughter-in-law Tamra; grandchildren Jason, Noah, Jeremiah, Aisylin, Alexa, Kolten, Mathew, Mallory, Whitney, Joseph and James; eleven great-grandchildren and many extended family and wonderful friends.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband, E.C. "Charley" Brennan; beloved son, Dennis; siblings Lillian Martin, Little Joe, Jim and Bill Pearce.

A rosary will be recited on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 9:00am, with a Mass to follow at 10:00am, both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to: VFW -Post 4031, 1550 Main Ave. Durango, CO 81301.