Mary Jane Brenc

 

Mary Jane Brenc, née Burigo, entered into eternal life on August 23rd, 2024, peacefully, at home, with family by her side. Mary Jane was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was born on February 14, 1935 in New Rochelle, NY to Silvio and Concelia Burigo. She was preceded in death by William V. Brenc, Jr., her husband of nearly 56 years.

Mary Jane is survived by her three children, Victoria Borin (Christopher) of Floyd, VA, Stephanie Parker of Danbury, CT (Bob Parker of Washington, NC), and Andrew Brenc (Joyce) of Springboro, PA; her sister, Carole Ann Robbins (Ralph) of Bonita Springs, FL; her 10 grandchildren, Christopher Borin, Jr. (Kelly), Matthew Borin, William Borin (Katie), Gregory Parker, Nicholas Parker, Rachel Behrens (Ryan), Tyrus Brenc, Lauren Brenc, Catherine Brenc (Robert Stoffa), and Jane Brenc; her great-grandchildren, Polly Borin and Mark Borin; her sister-in-law, Lois Jean Heilman (Lee); her brother-in-law, Gerald Brenc (Tita); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Jane and her sister Carole had a very close and loving relationship. 

Mary Jane was a graduate of New Rochelle High School where she excelled in athletics, lettering in softball, basketball, and field hockey. She desired to go to Cortland State Teachers College to become a teacher in physical education, but as Providence would have it, she instead joined the workforce at ESSO’s New England sales division, where she would meet her future husband. Mary Jane would say that the major turning point in her life was her marriage to Bill, and both demonstrated a very strong commitment to marriage and family life. 

In 1966 they moved to Danbury, CT where they raised their three children, side by side with their everlasting friends, Lou and Marilyn Carrafiello, leaving only for an international assignment from 1970-1974. Mary Jane’s athletic stamina and spirit of adventure were put to good use as she navigated the relocation and assimilation of her young family into three different non-English speaking countries in four years. 

Upon their return to the United States, Mary Jane supported her husband and family with much love and attention. She ventured back into bookkeeping and administrative roles outside of the home as her children began to leave for college. Playing bridge with friends and being avid New York Mets fans were two of Mary Jane and Bill’s favorite pastimes. Mary Jane loved to cook for people and many will miss her meals, which were always made with the most important ingredient - love. Celebrating  Christmas Day at Mary Jane and Bill’s was a time- honored tradition.

Traveling with Danbury friends and family was a highlight of Mary Jane and Bill’s golden years. Mary Jane was very grateful to have visited all, save one or two, of the National Parks in the continental United States. She has described her greatest travel adventure as her trip to Egypt and seeing the Great Pyramids. One of her favorite funny travel stories was when they were in Italy with the Carrafiellos and they were served “wine and maps” instead of “wine and peanuts” thanks to Lou’s humble Italian. Nevertheless, by far their favorite trips were those to children and grandchildren, near or far, all of whom they adored. Rarely would they let 6 months pass without a visit.

Pupa, meaning “little doll” in her family’s Italian dialect, was the nickname that Mary Jane was  anointed with by her oldest grandchild, Rachel. Somehow, against all odds, it stuck and today she is affectionately known to all as Pupa. Pupa believed her major accomplishment in life was passing on to her children a strong value system and encouraging strong relationships with family and friends. Her best advice would be to do the best you can in what you choose to do; that there are no shortcuts to success, only hard work and commitment. When she was asked what her deepest values were, she said, “Love-Truth-Honesty”. Mary Jane endeavored to live the Golden Rule with all her strength. She and her example will be dearly missed. 

Mary Jane and Bill were parishioners and volunteers of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Ridgefield, CT for decades. They delivered Meals on Wheels and helped in various soup kitchens. Since 2020 she has been a parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church in Floyd, VA. In your charity, please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Mary Jane Brenc. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

 A funeral Mass will be offered at All Saints Catholic Church, 598 Needmore Lane, SE, Floyd, VA 24091, on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11:00am. A luncheon reception will follow featuring Pupa’s world famous meatballs and “gravy” (aka “sauce”). 

A graveside service, including the Rite of Committal and eulogies, will be held at St. Peters Cemetery, 71 Lake Avenue Ext, Danbury, CT 06810 on Saturday, September 7th, at 11:00am. A celebration of life luncheon will follow.