Judy Brennan

STANFORDVILLE — Judy Brennan, a lifelong resident of Stanfordville, died on July 3, 2021, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a short illness.  

 Judy was born on Jan. 17, 1942, to loving parents Lillian (Pinkman) and James Brennan.  

Jim and Lillian gave their daughter the middle name Precious because she was such a beautiful baby.  She was known as a beauty throughout her life.  

Judy grew up in Stanfordville with her sisters:  big sister Pat and later little sister Annie. The three Brennan sisters shared many adventures along with their parents and remained close throughout their lives.  

Judy cherished her time at Pine Plains Central High School, where she was a scholar and a sportswoman. She was a cheerleader, active in many other extracurricular activities, and in her senior year was elected May Queen by her fellow students. Judy proudly graduated in 1959, receiving scholarship awards and the national Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award at graduation. Most importantly Judy was a friend to all, maintaining relationships with classmates throughout her life.

Judy married Thomas F. Brennan in March 1961 and together they raised three children: Kelly Ann, Thomas Patrick and Daniel Patrick. The Brennan’s marriage ended in divorce, but they remained friends and were always fiercely devoted parents.  

Judy was employed for many years by Dutchess County, where she made many friends and had some great memories with work friends.  She also loved being active in her hometown of Stanfordville.  She was elected tax collector for the town of Stanford on a few election cycles. 

She volunteered with the Stanford Fire Department in the Ladies Auxiliary and then she was also on the Ambulance Squad for many years. She was a volunteer at the historic Bardavon Theater in Poughkeepsie and many more endeavors,too many to mention.  

She was an enthusiastic citizen; she taught all her children and grandchildren to vote. She was the Stanford Recreation Park Director, coached her daughter Kelly’s softball team (a first all-woman team in the town) and all the while participating in town celebrations, walking around Hunns Lake or having a drink with neighbors or friends.  

In addition to her parents, Judy was predeceased by her former husband, Thomas F. Brennan; her brother-in-law, Tom Spohr; and her sister- and brother-in-law, Annie and Ted Luty.

Her daughter, Kelly Ann Brennan of Knoxville, Tenn.,  and her sons, Thomas Brennan of Brewster, N.Y., and Danny Brennan of Copake, N.Y., are grieving the loss of their Mom.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tabitha Brennan and fiancé Phillip Beckmann, Shannon and wife Jackquolyn Brennan-Parr, Emma Attanasio and fiancé Jesse Vail, Rhiana Brennan, Collin Brennan and great-grandson Logan Vail; all will miss their dear Gram.  Additional survivors include sister Pat Spohr of Altamont, N.Y.; beloved goddaughter Susie Robertson; nephews Jeremy Spohr, T. J. Luty (son Christopher) and niece Devon Luty-Swenson (husband Mark and sons Teddy and Elliot) and many dear friends and extended family.  

Judy also leaves behind a legacy of thoughtfulness, love and friendship. All who knew her will miss her calm kindness, her sense of humor and infectious laugh.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place; yet in true Judy-style a celebration of her life party was held. Friends gathered on Sunday, July 11, in Poughkeepsie.  

Arrangements have been made by Peck & Peck Funeral Home of Pine Plains. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Volunteer Fire Company #6096 NY-82, Stanfordville, NY 12581.

 To leave a message of condolence for the family, go to www.peckandpeck.net.