Helen G. Brennan, 105, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Helen was born May 8, 1918, the daughter of the late John and Helena (Janssen) Jacobs.

Helen was a loving person especially to all her family, including her siblings, nieces and nephews, and friends. This is her story as written by her some years ago.

"I have rewritten this account of my life several times. I could always think of something I left out.

I come from a family of seven children. I can remember that going to Mass was a privilege not an obligation. All families rented a pew, and my folks saw to it that we always filled it. My Mother attended Mass daily.

I can remember all the good times we had. My mother was the eldest of fifteen children and our house was always filled with extended families on Holidays. We had a player piano and spent a lot of time singing and of course running it at full speed to our delight. I guess that is why our family all love music. My sisters and I grew up singing for Weddings and Funerals and Community Affairs.

I married the greatest man in the world. A loving Father and Husband. I sometimes feel sad that he died after fourteen years and had such a short time to enjoy his children. He was missed.

I am sure my family will remember how I loved to bake, especially cookies. I had to start giving them to other people. I'm sure they got tired of eating cookies. They said it was because of the weight gain. I'm sure I baked at least a million of them.

My sisters and I agreed that we would meet at least once a week to have lunch and keep up on our families. We always had a lot of laughs and stories to tell. I'm thankful that we stayed close.

Dan, son, how can I ever tell you how much I loved and enjoyed you. Those great holiday get togethers either at my house or yours. The great trips up north watching the deer and animals from the stand. I remember how quiet you wanted me to be, it was hard, I once said a rosary while I was alone up there. Also, the trips to see the geese come in and I'm terrified near water. You always laughed and calmed me. The one thing that annoyed you most was when I would tell you that you looked tired. I did it to get to you. Terri, daughter, you must have been very tired of my constant calling you to take me to appointments. You never refused, and we did have a good lunch afterward. You gave me two wonderful grandchildren, Caitlin, and Meaghan, for which I am forever grateful. You made an awesome mother and had to do it all by yourself. You did a great job. Alesa, my daughter-in-law, I can say that I couldn't have picked a better wife for my son.

We became very close and I'm very thankful for that. Your special care when I was sick and stayed with you. You gave me Granddaughters that I'm very proud of, Kirsten and Keely. Remember, Keely, the card selection for the year. We had a lot of laughs. Kirsten gave me two Great-Grandchildren, Hunter and Cameron. I really had a lot of laughs whenever I was with them. You always called whenever you had a celebration at your house. Thank you for that.

I guess I had all kinds of work in my life. I was a secretary in my father's business, worked in the cafeteria at St. Boniface, what a wonderful time I had with all those kids. I worked at St. Norbert Book Store for Mr. Berner for several years and met my good friends, Carol, and Marge. I went back to school and worked as a Teacher Aide. My sister Margaret worked with me in the kindergarten. It was very hard to leave there when I retired. I really cared so much for each child I worked with. After retiring I kept myself busy working at Dairy Queen where I met one of my best friends, Marcie. We had some great times together and always met for lunch the Saturday before Christmas. Bob and Louise, how can I thank you for all the joy you gave me on those Sundays we spent together. Bob, you are the greatest Godson a girl could have.

My friend Father Conrad, what a special Priest you were. Your liturgies were awesome. You always warmed us up with a few good jokes to brighten our day. You made going to Mass a joy. I'm sure you remember how I begged you to say my Funeral Mass whenever I saw you. You always made Funeral Masses a celebration. I'll thank you for making mine one.

I go away with great satisfaction knowing I lived life to the fullest. I only go on to a greater celebration of Joy & Peace.

Love to you All

Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister, Aunt, & Friend

I want to pray a special prayer for Ann & Brian McCabe. They were so special to me. Also, Father David Baeten, a good friend and neighbor."

Helen is survived by her son, Daniel (Alesa); daughter, Teresa Gleason; grandchildren, Kirsten (Brad) Meidam, Keely (Bryan) Campbell, Caitlin Gleason, Meaghan Gleason; great-grandchildren, Cameron Meidam, Hunter (girlfriend Sarah) Meidam, John Gleason; sister, Elizabeth Miskella; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sibling, Henry (Gladys), Norbert, Aelred "Porky" (Margaret), Florence (George), and Margaret (William).

Visitation will begin at 4pm Monday, January 8, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street De Pere WI, a prayer service will conclude the visitation at 7PM. Visitation will continue Tuesday, January 9th at St. Edward the Confessor of Mackville, N2926 State Road 47, Appleton, WI at 9AM-10:45AM. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11AM.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Deacon Jeff Hofacker and Fr. Robert Chinnapen from St. Edwards. Also, the good people at AseraCare Hospice. Especially, Kayla Beyer you became family to us thank you for all you did, thank you Chaplin James Lonick, and special care givers Olive Staples and Kim Muthig-Hass.