Stephanie Maria Brennan
Stephanie “Steph” Brennan, 23, of LaGrange, IL, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 6, 2020. Stephanie was her parents’ “Sweetie Pie” who was born on March 30, 1997, in Bulgaria. On June 21, 1999, at age two, she was adopted into the Brennan family – a welcomed addition and blessing particularly to her parents, Robin and Bill, and big brother Sam.
Although Stephanie was in Daisy’s and Girl Scouts, she was a true tomboy with natural athletic ability and loved skiing, inline hockey, softball, and basketball. She had a feisty, fun-loving, goofy, and free-spirited personality. Full of energy, her pre-school teachers referred to her as “Little Miss Exuberance.” She enjoyed simple things like nighttime stories, playing games (especially with her grandparents), and playing with neighborhood friends. She had a passion for animals, music and watching movies with her “Mommy” – their favorite being “The Holiday.” Stephanie also loved family trips to Montana and Michigan to visit extended family, as well as other fun-filled vacations to Miners Bay Lodge in Canada, a Disney Cruise to Europe, and a family wedding in Argentina.
At age 12, she was baptized at Willow Creek Church in Barrington with her parents at her side. As she entered her teenage years, she began to experience mental illness, which led to severe defiance, drug use, and her untimely death.
Despite her challenges, Steph had a huge heart and a unique ability to light up a room with her big smile, beautiful brown eyes, and engaging personality. She was well loved and will be missed by many.
Stephanie is survived by her devoted parents, William and Robin; brother Sam; aunts and uncles – Mary Jo and Thomas Charboneau; Thomas and Nancy Brennan; Ellen and Mark Kossarek; Terri and John Stricker; Rollie and Bonnie Dots as well as many cousins. Stephanie was pre-deceased by loving grandparents Thomas and Jane Brennan, and William and Beverly Young.
Visitation will be held at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL on Saturday, September 12 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. Masks required. A private service will be held immediately afterwards for family members at 5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your healing prayers and/or memorial donations to NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://www.nami.org/Home) or to a charity of your choice. Information: (708) 352-6500
My deepest sympathy to your family. Please feel the many prayers for strength, for healing, and to feel the love of those around you.
Oh my goodness gracious our dear Brennan Family,
We are so profoundly sorry you have to say goodbye to Steph so early. This tribute to her vibrant life and impact keenly captures the beauty of her existence. Life is so complicated for so many, especially those who battle mental demons. But as long as we have known your family from our introduction at the VFC to street festivals, to the shores of Lake Michigan, we have witnessed your compassionate dedication to your children. Your unconditional love was a blessing to Stephanie every day of her life. You guys exemplified everything a family should be, chasing fun and adventure and good times at every opportunity.
Stephanie’s vivacious spirit will carry on in all her knew her and she will be long remembered for the good and happy days she enjoyed with each of you.
Please accept our most sincere condolences and our virtual arms are hugging you all fiercely.
I can hardly believe that I won’t see that stunningly beautiful face. I remember her as a silly and often rambunctious girl. She was a daredevil and incredibly active, always choosing to get out there and try things, often leading the pack! Steph was a clown, trying to get your attention and make you laugh. She had a soft side too, a snuggler who was not shy on showing her affection. I watched her struggle and try, struggle and try again, and again, and again, but she lost the struggle. I love her warts and all.
I did not have the pleasure of meeting dear Steph, but I am a good friend of the family (Megan Charboneau) and my thought last and prayers are with you all.
Brennan’s,
Thank you for your courage to let people know about Stephanie’s struggles. It’s important to talk about it. Keeping you all in our prayers during this incredibly difficult time. The Cooks.
Robin, Bill, and Sam, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I’m praying that you all find the strength, love, and support to get through this terrible tragedy. You are all in my thoughts and in my heart. Stephanie was a beautiful, young lady. Robin, I wish I could hug you right now. Take care of each other.
Robin & Bill,
The lost of Stephanie broke our hearts ! We deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts .. We keep you in our prayers 🙏🙏
Aunt Robin, Bill and Sam,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Stephie was such a bright and free soul whom I enjoyed connecting with during the holiday season at Grandma Bev and my Papa’s house in Montana.
Praying for comfort during this very difficult time.
We are so sorry to learn that Stephanie passed away. You are all in our prayers. We send you our love.
I am so saddened to hear of Stephanie’s passing. I have such fond memories of the Ogden Girls & Girl Scout get-togethers & talent shows. My condolences and prayers go to Robin, Bill & Sam during this tragic time. RIP Steph.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers and love to you and your family.
The Flynns
Such a tragic loss for all who knew her. She was such a beautiful young lady. I know she will be missed by many. Praying for all of you. We grieve with you. 💕
A beautifully written tribute to a lovely young lady. Though I never really knew Stephanie, I certainly knew of your love for her! Wishing you peace and healing.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss is Stephanie. You’re honesty with her struggles will hopefully help others realize how real mental health struggles are. Bless you Robyn, Bill and Sam.. you are in our prayers to guide you through this sadness.
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are to hear about Steph. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. We pray that your memories of Steph bring you peace, comfort, and strength. We love you!
Robin, Bill and Sam,
What a beautiful tribute, capturing the passion and the tragedy of Steph’s life.
Our hearts ache for your unimaginable loss. We pray for peace, healing, and understanding, knowing that some things will always remain un-knowable.
Love from the Serafins.
So very sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by the love that surrounds your family. Hugs and prayers.
Starla, Mike, Eric, Haley & Zack
Robin, Bill & Sam,
I’m at a loss of words, and incredibly sad to hear of Steph’s passing. Steph, you were such a vital part of my childhood growing up and the Brennan household was like my second home. I will never forget those memories. I wish we had talked more over the years as we grew up, but my thoughts are with you all.
My heart breaks with tears and profound sorrow. This is an unimaginable loss. Steph, Jess and Kaylee had an early neighborhood friendship that will always remain special. Our deepest sympathy. Love to Robin, Bill and Sam.
What a beautiful tribute to Stephanie, you words captured her warmth and beautiful sprit.
We love you guys!!!! ❤
David & Betsy Moore
Robin, Bill and Sam were so, so sorry for the loss of Stephanie. Our thought and prayer are with you all.
Dorothy and Kelly Stradinger
Robin, Bill and Sam,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. May your fond memories of Steph provide you with comfort during these difficult times now and those to come.
Love,
The Roccos
Oh Brennan’s , so many beautiful memories of better times together. I hope those still give you comfort & make you smile. Stephanie had a beautiful , generous, fun loving soul. We all loved her. She will be missed.
with love, Laura, John, Kate, Sara & Tommy McTigue
Robin, Bill and Sam,
You know how much I adored Stephanie! I’m devastated by your loss, actually sitting here in pure shock. I know all of you gave her the ultimate love and support she needed through all her personal hurdles over the years. She was truly a gem of a girl, inside and out. Please know I’m praying for all of you! Sam, if you are reading this, just know Ms. O. Loves ya! Please reach out to me anytime! I parked in front of your house every single day for the majority of my career and have thought of you all so often!!!! Love to all of you.
Robin & Bill , My heart broke when I herd the news of Steff passing I’m sure she’ll be at peace now . Steff was a beautiful girl ! My prayers are with your family .
Mike & Kathy Neagle .
I wish I could help with the heartache and the eminence pain, it still doesn’t feel real ,we enjoyed her wild side and her energy in Montana and the fun adventure hiking in the rims in billings and hikes
and finding snakes great memories, she will keep drama young hoping and it adds some relief that she will be with extended family in heaven, big hugs and heavy hearts from montana.
Dear Mr and Mrs Brennan,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I remember Stephanie fondly always, prayers and peace be with you.
Karen Thimmig
Sorry to hear of your loss. I would love have known her. I am a loss for words as losing a child is unimaginable. It sounds like you have good memories to help you through the rough times.memories really are to be cherished. My thoughts are with you, Carol
So very sorry to hear of this Robin. I’m sending you lots of “former college roommate” love and know how your heart is broken. My prayers are with your family as you get through this horrible time. May your grief be replaced over time with the beautiful memories of Stephanie. God Bless you all.
Dejar Robin, Bill & Sam,
We are so sorry to hear about Steph… we perfectly remember her beatifull smile.
We are so sorry for your loss….
Lot of love from Paz Ortiz Family
I had the absolute pleasure of teaching Stephanie while she was a member at Thresholds. (One is my favorites). She was a beautiful soul. She had a very contagious smile and she will be missed dearly. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dearest Robin, Bill and Sam, We are deeply heartbroken with you. She was such a bright light and I feel truly blessed to have spent time with her and witnessed the love you three have for her. I can still see her smile when I think of her. We talked and please know that she knew she was loved . She was uniquely honest about things. Beautiful inside and out. Please stay strong for each other as this is so difficult for each of you and know that your all going to deal with this In your unique own way. I pray for your strength.
She loved her family.
Sam, if your reading this please call me. I miss talking to you.
She will never be forgotten and loved eternally.
Colleen and Steve
Robin and Bill and family,
I send my heartfelt condolences to each of you. I know how much you loved Stephanie and the loving support you have given her. I am so very sorry for your loss!
Debbie Sundberg- Billings, MT
My Jesus Mercy
Dear Robin, Bill and Sam,,
We are so very heart broken to hear of your loss of your beautiful Steph. May God wrap his arms around you during this most difficult time of your lives, and my your openness help other families. We are sending much love and prayers to you and all your family.
Love,
Lisa and Brad
Dear Brennan’s, such beautiful words capturing exactly who Steph was. We remember fondly raising our kids together,
having a blast with all of you. Praying for you all as you mourn this deep and profound loss in your life. Hold onto to each other, Sincerely, The Millette family
I remember the day you told you had fallen in love with Stephanie and were so determined to welcome her into your beautiful family. When you brought her home your family was complete. I’m so sorry I can’t even imagine the hole left in your hearts now. You are in my prayers daily for strength and comfort.
Sending love and hugs….such a beautiful tribute to a remarkable young woman. I will always remember Steph as that rambunctious fun loving jump on the couch girl that loved laughing and having fun with her big brother and my Lexy. Cherish all the time you had with her….she was truly a gift.
Dear Robin Bill and Sam what a sad time for all of you, we cannot imagine the loss you are feeling, rest in peace sweet Stephanie,
Mary and Mark
Robin and Bill and Sam,
We are so sorry to hear this news. Thank you for sharing Steph’s beautiful story. We can’t imagine your pain, but our thoughts and prayers are with you on this journey.
Dan and Sarah Clark
Dear Bill Robin and Sam
Words cannot express how sad we are to hear of Stephs passing. Her laugh was contagious, a beautiful free spirit. the two Stephs were my favorite “Benders” when they played hockey. I cannot imagine your pain, please know your family is in our prayers. Wishing you peace, love and strength.
Kim and Steph Wanderling
My heart breaks to hear of your passing, Stephanie! We never know the pain behind someone’s smile! You were always laughing, smiling, so friendly and respectful to me when I saw you in class or in the hallways! Rest easy, Steph!!
Words cannot adequately express how sorry I am about Stephanie’s loss. Her infectious energy and love of life are things I will never forget. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Brennan Family,
I just recently came across the information from the LTHS Alumni News regarding Stephanie’s passing. I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing. Praying for peace and strength for all of you. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolence. I have fond memories of the girls in Daisies and Girl Scouts and remember Stephanie as a very sociable, lively and happy girl. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May her soul RIP.
The Hicaro Family