Jeanne Mary Brenner

Feb 22, 1928 -

Feb 28, 2024

Jeanne Mary Brenner, loving wife and mother, passed away on Feb. 28, 2024, at age 96, with family members by her side. She was born Jeanne Mary Parle on Feb. 22, 1928, in Omaha, Neb., one of eight children. After attending Creighton University in Omaha, she considered purchasing a Ford Thunderbird, but opted instead for the adventure of a new life in Alaska.

Jeanne was employed at Bagoy's Flowers in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, between 1957 and 1964, where she met Carl Brenner, her beloved husband of 34 years. Brought closer together by the great Alaska earthquake, they married in fall 1964 - Jeanne sometimes joked that the quake sparked a sense of urgency in Carl - spurring his proposal!

Carl and Jeanne, longtime parishioners of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, were a dedicated couple who supported each other and their five children through good times and bad, until Carl's death in 1996.

Jeanne was an excellent cook, an artist, an avid reader and a fan of the Seattle Mariners. She loved the mountains around Anchorage, discussing the events of the day with family and friends, and a good martini. Jeanne, who was kind and compassionate, possessed a wry sense of humor.

She is survived by her five children, Joseph Brenner, Mary Colavecchio, Frederick Brenner, Anna Brenner-Suh and Richard Brenner; six grandchildren, Angela, Elizabeth and Carl Colavecchio, Maria and John Brenner and Poppy Suh; sister, Dr. Rita Parle; and best friend of 80 years, Natalie Carey.

Funeral to be held at St Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brother Francis Shelter.