Obituary of Olivia F. Brennan

Olivia F. Brennan "Aunt Beetie", 81, of West Brighton, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. She was the beloved wife of retired New York State Supreme Court Justice, The Honorable Michael J. Brennan for 59 years. Olivia was the daughter of the late Dr. Norman D. Garand and Olivia F. Garand. She was the loving mother of Olivia M. Piccirillo and her husband John, Michael J. Brennan "Mickey", Jr, and his wife Rachael, and the late Thomas Brennan; dear grandmother "nanny" of Jayden LaManna and Olivia G. Brennan; dear sister of Alice M. Tobin (late John P. Tobin); dear sister-in-law of John L. Brennan and the late Henry R. Brennan; adoring aunt of Stephen Z. Rowan, Mary Alice Rowan and the late John G. Rowan; fond great-aunt of the late Daniel J. Rowan. Olivia was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and came to Staten Island as a small child. She graduated from Notre Dame Grammar School, Notre Dame High School and the former Notre Dame College. She earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from NYU. Olivia started her career as a Social Worker at the former Marine Hospital on Staten Island, and then established the Social Work department at the former Doctor's Hospital, where she was the Director of Social Work. While employed at Doctor's Hospital she earned her CASAC license, where she founded the Detox unit there. She then moved on to Staten Island University Hospital, where she was Director of Case Management. Olivia then went on to work as Director of Inpatient Psychiatric Services at South Beach Psychiatric Center. Mrs. Brennan then ended her career teaching Social Work at the Mildred Elley College in Manhattan. Her career in Social Work spanned 47 years, providing tireless support to the Mental Health community. In addition to her accolades in Social Work, she was elected three times to the School Board and served as Chairwoman of the Board once. Olivia was County Committee Woman of the local Democratic Party. In her spare time, she was very active in her bridge club, including teaching it, as well as participating in a book club with her sister Alice. Olivia enjoyed going to Atlantic City with her family and shooting craps. In lieu of flowers, donations in Olivia's memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, for Veteran's Village. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Tuesday, 1/6, departing at 10:15 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Monday, 1/5, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.