Rebecca Jo Lewis Brennan

On Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, Heaven welcomed Rebecca Jo Lewis Brennan.

She was born Oct. 12, 1929, in Cameron, to Andrew Jackson Lewis and Minnie Nell Blaylock Lewis. Raised in Cameron, she attended St. Monica Catholic School, Ada Henderson Elementary School and Yoe High School.  She then attended Incarnate Word College in San Antonio to study nursing.

Loving dancing and listening to Big Band sounds she and her sister Martha Nell enjoyed the town dance halls and military canteens nearby Fort Hood during World War II. She met a charming Aggie Cadet, Richard “Nick” Brennan, Class of 1945. He courted her and they eventually married, August 1, 1948.

With a growing family and an opportunity in selling real estate, Nick and Rebecca, settled in Austin. They were founding members of both St. Louis Church and School as well as Sacred Heart Church and School. Later they were active in St Austin’s Church and St. Elizabeth’s in Pflugerville. One of her joys was singing in the church choir.

While raising nine children, she returned to training at Breckenridge School of Nursing to become a nurse. A dedicated nurse at Seton Medical Center in ICU/CCC for 28 years, Rebecca was admired and respected by colleagues and medical staff alike, being recognized as employee of the year and her picture remains in the Seton Employee Hall of Honor. She retired to care for her husband of 47 years until his death in 1995.

Rebecca led a life full of Catholic faith and love, a pillar of strength who led her children and grandchildren by her own example. She spent her “senior” years in Pflugerville where she was actively involved at St. Elizabeth’s Church. She continued as a caretaking volunteer aiding the sick and elderly.

Waiting in Heaven for Rebecca were her parents; her husband, Nick; her daughter-in-law, Debra Jean; her brother-in-law, Bill Crenan; and numerous other loved ones. We can only imagine it was a joyous and long-awaited reunion!

Left to cherish memories of Rebecca Jo are her brother, Jack Lewis of Austin; sister, Martha Nell Crenan of College Station; and her sister and brother-in-law, Lynn and Ray Stauffacher of Katy.

She is also survived by her extended family: her nine children, 23 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Children include: Mary Margaret Salls (Cal), Nick Brennan, Martha Lynn Brennan, Jack Brennan (Maria), Patti Bergin (Bob), Ellen Brennan, Becky Wilson (Doug), Jeff Brennan (Nikki), and Andy Brennan (Cathy).

Grandchildren include: Lara McCoy (Danny); Jason (Kay) and Jarrod Brennan; Joe Anthony Hubenak (Kelly); Gary, Katherine, Annalyss and Chris Ryan Brennan; Callie Salls (Allan Crawford); Tyler and Katie Bergin; Jack, Mary Becca and Sam Wilson; Blake Brennan (Christa), Jaclynn Parham (Chris), Bridget, Jacob and Jenna Brennan; Rachel, Andrew, Bailey and Aaron James Brennan.

Great-grandchildren include: Kellan, Ava and Flynn; Sydney, Cole and Molly; Heidi Jo and Oakland.

The family is especially grateful for the compassionate and loving care that Becca received from the entire staff of Generations Care and Brazos County Hospice of Bryan; especially Rebecca’s niece and owner/director of Generations, Mary Claire Culpepper. Special regards and gratitude to caretakers Wanda Johnson, Cynthia Mundine and Lynn Franklin.

Burial and a family graveside service was in Cameron on Oct. 4, 2018, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at St. Austin’s Catholic Church,2026 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX, with Rev. James Misko officiating, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. with reception to follow. Note: Free parking is available in the parish garage, 500 W. MLK Blvd (MLK Blvd and San Antonio St.)

For those desiring to make a memorial contribution, please consider Dementia and Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Research Association.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Fry