The Family of Marion Brennan

The Marion Brennan Personal Growth in Nursing Award was established in 2003 to recognize graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding growth in terms of character, personal development and skills while pursuing a nursing degree at Jefferson Community College.

The award memorializes Marion Willy Moody Brennan, a 1973 graduate of Jefferson’s nursing program. Mrs. Brennan earned her degree at the age of 53, after raising nine children. “From the day she began nursing, she loved it,” according to Mrs. Brennan’s daughter, Linda Aubertine. A registered nurse, Mrs. Brennan worked at Carthage Area Hospital until her retirement at age 64 from the position of head nurse in the maternity department, where she also served as a Lamaze instructor.

“Her co-workers and patients shared with us the unique ability she possessed: to value each person’s worth, treating everyone with respect and inspiring each to do their best,” Mrs. Aubertine said. “Mom frequently told us that education is all a person lacks to become the best they can be. She would certainly be pleased to know that in her memory, a nurse’s achievement will be recognized.”

Mrs. Brennan was born Feb. 16, 1918, at Saranac Lake, daughter of Abram and Eloise Bomyea Moody. She graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1938, and was married to Henry B. Brennan on Nov. 25, 1939, in Lake Placid. Mr. Brennan passed away on Feb. 4, 1989.

An avid bridge player, Mrs. Brennan enjoyed traveling both nationally and internationally. She was a member of the 4 Rivers Historical Society, the Natural Bridge Civic Club, and St. Henry’s Church parish in Natural Bridge, and a communicant of Carthage’s St. James Church.

A mother nine times over, Mrs. Brennan was grandmother to 29 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren at the time of her death on January 3, 2003.

The Jefferson Community College Nursing Department and the JCC Foundation are grateful to the family of Marion Brennan for establishing this award in memory of this outstanding woman.