Frances Marchetta Brennan, 60, of Newtown, died peacefully at home on April 21, surrounded by her family. She was born March 29, 1954, in New Brunswick, N.J., to Antionette Marchetta and the late Joseph Marchetta, and was the beloved wife of Douglas K. Brennan for 35 years.

In addition to her husband and mother, her son Geoffrey Brennan and his wife Andrea of Oxford; two daughters, Carolyn Brennan of Pasadena, Calif., and Michelle Brennan of Newtown; her brothers Anthony Marchetta and his wife Carole of Califon, N.J., and Russell Marchetta and his wife Debbie of Morganville, N.J; her sister Josephine Marchetta of New Brunswick, N.J.; her mother-in-law Mary Brennan; her sisters-in-law Kathy Riccardelli and her husband Frank and Janet Hawkins and her husband Neil; her Uncle Rocky Maimone; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom were very precious to her, survive Ms Brennan.

She graduated from New Brunswick High School in 1972 and was the first woman to graduate from the Rutgers College Business and Civil Engineering program in 1977. Ms Brennan was a licensed professional engineer. She began her career as a structural engineer with Pullman Kellogg and later worked for American Can, before taking time off to raise her three children. More recently, Ms Brennan worked as a professional engineer and home inspector for Home Directions in Ridgefield. She also served as president of the American Society of Home Inspectors Connecticut Chapter.

Outside of work, Ms Brennan was an avid volunteer in the Newtown community. She was an active member of the St Rose of Lima Church, where she volunteered as a catechist and retreat leader. She was a Girl Scout troop leader, as well as an active parent in Hawley School and member of the PTA. She could often be found supporting her children at school concerts and track events.

Ms Brennan had many talents and enjoyed sewing, taking photographs, and cooking for family and friends. She was a lifelong traveler and left Newtown in the early 1990s to live in Vienna, Austria, for three years with her family.

She was always one to lend a hand to anyone in need. Her kind and giving spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Thursday, April 24, from 2 to 4 pm, or from 6 to 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, Friday, April 25, at 11 am. Burial will follow at St Rose Cemetery, Sandy Hook.