In loving memory of Margaret (Marge) Nichols Brennan

September 28, 1954 - January 24, 2026

Born in El Segundo, CA, on September 28, 1954, to Thomas Francis Brennan, Sr. and Edna Eleanor (Toohey) Brennan, Margaret grew up in sunny, southern California, where her love of animals and the outdoors began, and her carefree spirit bloomed. She was the youngest of her siblings: her beloved sister, Martha W. (Brennan) Neblett, and her loving brother, Thomas (Tom) Francis Brennan, Jr.

Leaving California at the age of 19, Margaret moved to the Midwest to join the United States Navy and proudly served from 1974 to 1977 while stationed in Millington, TN. She loved to share stories from her military days and greatly enjoyed celebrating Veterans Day.

She was born and raised Catholic, but as an adult, Marge became a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Hayti, where she attended with her children for many years. She also attended several other churches over the years, where she continued to share her faith and love of Jesus. She had a deep appreciation for studying her Bible, loved the gospel singing of the Gaither Family, and she was joyful about going to Heaven someday.

Marge had various jobs over the years in healthcare, law enforcement, and customer service. She worked for several years at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in the physical therapy department as a PT assistant, a job she loved and in which she took great pride, and where her co-workers and patients loved her.

Throughout the years, she had many friendships from various walks of life, with many of them calling her "Margie." With her big personality and hilarious sense of humor, Margie had an easy way of drawing people to her, and she never met a stranger. At Heritage Nursing Center, Marge was a cherished resident, and she thrived in their continuous care and attention and through the friendships she made.

Marge was an avid animal lover. From her early days of camping and horseback riding in California to taking in and caring for many stray animals over the years, she always had a special connection to furry, four-legged creatures. Her last pet, a chihuahua she named "Mama", was her beloved companion until her move to the nursing home in 2021.

Most of all, Marge's greatest accomplishments were her three children: Stephanie, Jon and Joanna. As a single mother, she did her best to raise good-hearted, God-fearing children, despite her own struggles in life. She was a big kid at heart: loved playing board games, doing word puzzles and coloring, and watching movies, all with her kids. Marge definitely passed on her tough-as-nails, spitfire, no holds barred traits to her children, and it has served them well in life. Although the weight of providing and caring for her family alone was heavy, God provided many angels along the way to love and care for Marge and her children throughout the years.

Margaret Nichols Brennan peacefully departed her earthly home on January 24, 2026 at Heritage Nursing Home in Kennett, MO, at the age of 71.

She is survived by her oldest daughter, Stephanie Dawn (Brennan) Greenwell (Tommy) of Hayti, MO; her only son, MSG (Ret.) Jon Ashley Brennan (Yokasta) of Bushkill, PA; and her youngest daughter, Joanna Marie Brennan (Jackie Bishop) of Union City, TN.

Lovingly called "Mimi", Marge is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud to call her grandbabies: Brennan, Aubrey, Cooper, Harper and Eden Greenwell, Jonathan and Abrianna Brennan, Lexy and Evie Fagan, and Haley Shumate.

As a special acknowledgement of Marge's oldest grandchild, with whom Marge developed a special bond when she was born, Haley took on a major role in caring for her Mimi over the last few years, and it showed through her love, connection, and dedication to her Mimi.

Margaret is also survived by her sister, Martha Neblett of Torrance, CA; she was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 1 p.m. at John W. German Funeral Home in Hayti, MO, with a chapel service to follow at 2 p.m., Bro. Doug Wahls officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Hayti.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Caruthersville Humane Society (P.O. Box 1139, Caruthersville, MO 63830) and Pemiscot Memorial Hospital (P.O. Box 489, Hayti, MO 63851).