A Mass of Christian Burial was held June 3 in St. Gregory the Great Church, Hamilton Square, for Dr. Jewel Emily Brennan, a longtime parishioner, Hamilton resident and a consecrated virgin, who died May 27 at age 77.
Upon learning of Dr. Brennan’s passing, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., offered condolences saying, “Dr. Brennan was a deeply devoted member of the faithful of the Diocese, ever present at many diocesan Masses and celebrations. She lived her special vocation as a consecrated virgin with love and joy, generously offering her service to those in need of an attentive and listening ear.”
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Brennan’s family moved to Woodbridge, where she attended the town’s St. James Grammar School and later St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in education with a minor in theology from Georgian Court University, Lakewood; a master of arts degree in Scripture and Church history from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University, South Orange; a master of arts degree in marriage and family therapy, also from Seton Hall University; a doctorate in psychology from Fordham University, New York City, and a doctor of ministry in pastoral theology from The Catholic University of America, Washington.
Prior to serving many roles in the Diocese, including that as a certified annulment advocate with the diocesan Tribunal, Dr. Brennan was an adjunct professor in St. Joseph University, Phila.; a state licensed psychologist, and she operated her own private practice in Lawrenceville. She was a former principal clinical psychologist at the N.J. Department of Human Services and psychiatric director of developmental disabilities. She was also an adoption caseworker with the Diocese, where she assisted in adoption placement and parental counseling.
In St. Gregory the Great Parish, Dr. Brennan served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, sacristan and a member of the parish council, and also taught religious education in St. Gregory the Great Academy.
On July 29, 1978, Dr. Brennan became a consecrated virgin, receiving the Rite of Order Consecration Virginum by then-Bishop George W. Ahr. She was a member of the USACV and presented numerous lectures on a national and international level to those living in full communion with the Church.
Dr. Brennan was predeceased in death by her parents, William and Aida Mage-Cruz Brennan. She is survived by a brother, Ronald E.; a sister-in-law; two nieces and two dogs.
Burial was in St. Mary Cemetery, Clark.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bishop George W. Ahr Endowment and Foundation, ATTN: CAO, Chancellor’s Office, Diocese of Trenton Chancery, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648.