Grace Brennan

Our Mum

The word determined is often used, but she can also be described as faithful, possessing great strength. She always put others first.

Mum was born in Manchester in 1932. She lived through the bombings, rationing and an evacuation to Lincolnshire with her sister. But they were so homesick that they returned home.

As a child she contracted a heart infection which left her with a heart condition. The doctors recommended that she did not have children as she would not physically cope with childbirth. Instead, Mum has lived a long full and happy life full of adventures, skiing, mountaineering, hiking. cycling and four children! She was a grandma to nine grandchildren and great-grandma to two great-granddaughters.

Mum was raised in a christian family and remembers giving her life to the Lord aged 11. But she recalls that it wasn't until she was faced with being a single parent and raising four children that she learned to deepen her relationship with God.

She often retold the story of when she audibly heard God tell her to apply for Teaching Training College in Brighton. She was afraid and there were so many obstacles in her way but she obeyed and many miracles followed. Somehow she qualified with a merit. It was at Brighton that she met Sister Moira who suggested she applied for a job at Mayfield School which she did. She was appointed as science teacher and house-mistress.

As a family we arrived in Mayfield at 'The Firs' which was a boarding house for sixth form girls. We shared that home in term time with 15 other girls. So as well as being Mum to us she was a Mum to hundreds of girls over her long career, moving from The Firs to Aylwins, a lower school boarding house. Girls came from all over the world arriving in a new country and new culture, away from the family and familiar they were often homesick, feeling lonely and lost. Mum cared for them all with her love and kindness. Mum was a science teacher, teaching chemistry and biology for many years. She also became Joint Head of Lower School a which she enjoyed so much.

Her years at Mayfield were very happy for her. We all found such enrichment from our time in Mayfield and at the school. Invitations came for Mum to visit with parents and pupils all over the world. She travelled widely but always appreciated the mountains. Switzerland had a special place in her heart.

Defying the doctors predictions she continued to live a healthy life. After retiring from school she put her energies into a village project caring for the elderly and vulnerable called Rothefield-St.Martins or RSM as it is known. Typical for Mum that she was always the carer and never the cared for. It was sometimes hard to make a fuss of her.

Eventually she conceded the need for support and Lois provided that faithfully to her over the last few years.

Mum was determined; determined to keep the family together, teach us about God and to keep her faith and show it to others. She was a prayerful woman who prayed for us and many others every day.

Mum had a rich life not in monetary terms but in experience, in purpose, in work, exploration, friendships and  her love of nature. She loved the stories of her children and grand-children always excited to hear their news. She ignited in us a wonderful world-view, an awe of God's creation, learning to value friendships and God's perspective. Her concern was always for others right up to the end.

She died very peacefully and quietly at home on 19th August 2024 with family around her. 

Sorely missed but a life well-lived.

OC Ruth Brown (née Brennan), 1980