Dorothy Brennan Obituary

DOROTHY JOYCE BRENNAN Dorothy Joyce Nesseth Brennan, 87, of Kailua passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 19, 2024. Dottie was born on February 7, 1937, to parents of Norwegian ancestry in Hazel Park, MI, but spent most of her childhood in Madison, SD. After getting her M.Ed., in 1968, she and her husband Dr. Paul Brennan moved to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to live among the Enga people. As Paul worked in linguistics/anthropology, Dottie nurtured their growing family of adventurous and active boys (Eric, Nathan, Lars and Jason). In 1981, they moved to the U.S. (Hawai'i) settling in Maunawili. There she taught at several elementary schools. She was a supportive, loving wife, devoted mother, loving teacher and friend, and talented artist. Dottie had a creative and artistic eye, and loved quilting, and painting. She excelled at tissue paper collages which along with paintings decorated the family home. She had a progressive Christian faith, and was a free, open-minded thinker who loved gardening. Dottie had a generous heart, was witty, spunky and humble, with a humorous, transparent streak that drew others to her. She loved people and her empathy and compassion showed in the way that she nurtured her 4 sons and the many foster children that she and Paul cared for. Dottie was perceptive and inquisitive. The death of her beloved Paul last year was difficult for her, but she received abundant love, care and support from her caregiver, neighbors, family and friends. She loved sitting on her swing overlooking the Ko'olau range and Mt. Olomana, soaking in a view that brought her peace. She is survived by her 4 sons, Dr. Eric Brennan (Ana Sandoval) of Salinas, CA, Dr. Nathan Brennan (Christina Caldwell) of Sarasota, FL, Lars Brennan (Yanah Brennan) of Vancouver, WA, Jason Brennan (Dr. Julie Motosue-Brennan) of Elk Grove, CA, 16 grandchildren, and a great grandchild. She was 1 of 3 children, and she is survived by sibling Phyllis Black (Nelson, MO), and preceded in death by siblings Charles Nesseth, Aubrey Nesseth and Julie Griggs. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, at Christ Church Uniting in Kailua, followed by a reception; visitation will be at 10 a.m. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary