Merrie G. Brennan

Merrie Elizabeth (Geldhof) Brennan of Traverse City passed away on August 4, 2014 at the age of 90 at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center. She was born in Allegan, MI, February 23, 1924, to G. Stuart and Christine Geldhof of Grand Rapids, MI.

She graduated in 1940 from Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids. After finishing junior college, she made gas tanks for B-29 bombers during World War II and worked in Washington, D.C. for National Airlines. She then went on to attend Western Michigan University where she obtained a degree in Library Science. While there, she met and married Neil Brennan in 1947.

Merrie worked for the Manistee County Library as a librarian for over 25 years until her retirement in 1985. After retirement, she and Neil split their time between their home on Torch River and Gulf Shores, AL. They moved to Traverse City in 2011.

Merrie was a great conversationalist and had a good wit. She enjoyed gardening, reading, music, listening to WIAA, and watching old movies on TCM.

Merrie is survived by her two sons and their wives: Paul and Arlene (Roskoski) Brennan of Rapid City, MI, and Thom and Linda (Stokesbury) Brennan of Lansing, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Neil, who passed in July of 2012, and her brother, Howard Geldhof.

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements. Per Merrie's wishes, cremation has taken place and no memorial service is planned.

The family thanks Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center for the excellent care she received while a resident.

Donations in Merrie's memory may be made to
either the Grass River Natural Area or the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Merrie's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .