‘She Makes the World a Better Place’: Kathleen Brennen is a bright spot in many people’s lives

There is a lot to unfold about Kathleen Brennen, the 52-year-young superwoman who is admired for her optimism, persistence, warmth, and so much more. She is an uplifting individual who is always there for everyone around her, and her presence is very much appreciated.

“Kathleen treats others with respect, kindness and intelligence,” her friend Georgie said. “She is always able to inject humor into interactions with people and she’s also very empathetic. She’s warm and always willing to help.”

Selflessness comes very naturally to Kathleen, as she has the biggest heart and the most compassion out of anyone her friends and family know. Whether it involves attending sporting events because her husband loves them or whether it involves feeling empathy for any situation her loved ones are going through, her sacrifice does not go unnoticed.

“Kathleen beautifully holds space for others,” her friend Jenai said. “Space to exist; to be authentic and messy and unsure. She holds space to figure things out, to know, to lay down a burden and just rest. When my world felt almost too heavy to bear, she opened her door, opened her arms and just let me rest. When I didn’t think I deserved better, she clearly and consistently reminded me of my worth.”

That’s just who Kathleen is. She is not ever going to make you feel less than, and she is always going to make you feel loved and welcome and accepted. Even when the cards are stacked against you and you feel as though you have no one to support you, Kathleen is right there.

Kathleen’s character spreads far and wide too, as her selflessness is just one of the infinite things that makes her who she is. She is a do-it-all woman with such a respected and well-rounded personality.

“She is caring; kind; hardworking; resourceful; independent; enthusiastic; thoughtful; generous; intelligent,” her husband David said. “Virtually every good adjective applies to Kathleen.”

The only flaw David can find in his wife is her inability to lie, although depending on how you look at it, that just reiterates how good of a person she is. She is truthful and trustworthy, and she provides a pillar of encouragement to everybody.

“Kathleen is beautiful inside and out,” Jenai said. “She is a light, a deeply decent soul, and a strong and grounded presence. She is a quiet force that supports her people and stands tall and proud of herself for the things and people she believes in.”

Kathleen is going to give you a pat on the back when you deserve it, and she is going to give you a stern kick in the butt when you need it. She has the keen ability to understand what people need, and she also has the ability to bring out the best in others while also always encouraging others to reach for the stars.

“From my big sister Kathleen, I have learned the power of kindness and gentleness,” her sister Megan said. “Through her actions and words, she has shown me that strength doesn’t always come from being the loudest or the most forceful, but from approaching life with compassion and understanding.”

She might not be the most boastful or loud individual in the room, but you can certainly feel Kathleen’s presence at all times. She can light up any room with her encouragement and her joy, and she can bring out the best in any person.

“Kathleen’s love has made me a better person,” David said. “She gives me an appreciation for life and all of its possibilities.”

That love was made prevalent early on in their marriage, as David deployed to Iraq just nine months after they wed. When he returned home after they spent over a year apart, that smile brought tears to his face, as he was reminded just how much his wife loves him.

He is reminded all the time of how much his wife loves their children too. They did not have their boys until a little later in life, but anyone who knows Kathleen knows she had always wanted to be a mom. It was something she had always dreamed of, and she was certainly cut out to be one too.

“Kathleen cares deeply for her kids, and it shows in everything she does,” Megan said. “She is fully present with them, giving them her undivided attention and making them feel truly heard and valued. She is sensitive to their needs, whether they require encouragement, a gentle nudge in the right direction, or simply a hug.”

She serves on PTA committees and is an education advocate for her children too, showing her love for them is endless. She is a mama bear with a soft touch and a hands-on approach too, and at the same time she is instilling the importance of independence and paving your own path into her teenagers. She works hard each and every day to provide her boys with the best lives possible, and that is certainly recognized by many.

“So many things! Without a doubt Zach and Eamon were born to exactly the right mom,” Georgie said when asked what makes her friend a great mother. “She is a fierce momma in all the right ways and has unfailingly navigated difficulties in all the best ways – without hesitation or doubt – for her kids. She BELIEVES in her kids and knows them inside out. She shares her wisdom with great teaching moments. She’s also SO MUCH FUN and brings a lot of laughs to raising kids.”

Even when she caught pneumonia shortly after Zachary was born, Kathleen tried to do everything for him and for everyone else. She worked hard to keep on top of his feeding schedule and tried to keep making arrangements for Thanksgiving dinner from the ICU. There is certainly nothing that can bring her down, and there is definitely nothing that can keep Kathleen down either.

She is a believer too, and that has remained a driving force in her life. Kathleen puts God and family above everything else, and that is prevalent each and every day.

“Her unwavering support and dedication to the things she believes in is remarkable,” Megan said.

She stands on morals and values, and she lives life to the fullest in that way.

Kathleen also lives life the right way by always having joy in her heart and by having fun.

“I have learned to be silly and to have fun, to laugh and cry and feel all the things,” Jenai said. “I learned that although we can ‘totally make that,’ we never actually do.”

Jenai and Kathleen may not always capitalize on trying out certain things, but that is because they are always too busy living in the good old days and making the most of their friendship.

Speaking of trying things, however, Kathleen does love making food and drinks, and she is not afraid to dip her hands in something new.

“Kathleen is an avid cook and baker,” David said. “She enjoys the arts, particularly live music. Her adventurous streak has recently been exposed, as she has tried her hand at skydiving and racecar driving. Her most cherished activity is spending time with those she loves.”

“I have learned some awesome cocktail recipes!! Also, a great pastry recipe! She always has great gardening tips and plants to share,” Georgie added. “Kathleen has always had words of wisdom for me… little nuggets of amazing information and life knowledge that I’ve learned from her in our eight years of friendship.”

Whether you have known Kathleen for eight years, 14 years, 16 years, over two decades, or for your entire life, all can agree with how amazingly special she is. She gives and she gives and she gives, and her involvement in the lives of others and her ability to have fun in life is remarkable.

“You are loved and appreciated. The world is a brighter and happier place because of you. Thank you for sharing that with us.” – David