Mary S. Brettner, 98, of Clearwater, passed away on September 4, 2023.
Margaret Mary Sargent Brettner was born at home on May 19, 1925, in Bridgton, Maine to Margaret Mary Kelly Sargent of Utica, NY. and Raymond Frances Sargent of Broad Brook CT.
She was the older sister of 4 brothers: Raymond Jr., Theodore, William & Thomas. Their father managed woolen mills, and as his career progressed, they lived in Fairfield, Waterville, and Vassalboro.
In 1940 her father transferred to Raritan Woolen Mills, and the family moved to Somerville NJ. During the war, she tested dyes at American Cyanamid as her contribution to the war effort. In 1947, she graduated from Georgian Court College in Lakewood NJ. with a BS in Home Economics.
After graduation, she and a girlfriend took a cruise on the St. Lawrence where she met her husband to be, Joseph Charles Brettner, Jr. of Chicago IL. It was a shipboard romance. He was the tour guide and finishing medical school. They visited and corresponded for 2 years as he completed his studies. During this time, she worked at the Public Service of New Jersey. They married on September 10, 1949, at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville.
Early in their marriage they resided in Chicago, Il. Then in 1954 they moved to Redington Beach Fl. Over the years as the Family grew, they resided in Treasure Island, St. Petersburg, and Seminole. Upon Joe’s death, Mary moved to Feather Sound where she resided until her death. Also, during her final years, she enjoyed regularly attending Sea Breeze Adult Day Center in St. Petersburg, Fl.
She was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, and her four brothers. She is survived by her children: Vicki, her husband Emory, their son Ian, his wife Jennifer, and their children Zach, Natalie, and Bethany; Scott and his son David; Peggy, her husband Mike, their daughter Melissa and her companion Harry, her son Michael and daughter Nikki, and their other daughter Melinda, her husband Matt, her son Jacob; Chris, daughter Jackie, her wife Lauren and their children Sophia and Alistair, son Andy; Ted, wife Alicia, and son Harrison.
Her Graveside Service & Interment will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery on September 14th at 3:00 pm with Fr. Ken Malley, officiating.
Calvary Catholic Cemetery
Suzanne Kafel
September 8, 2023, 6:08 am
Well, Aunt Mary made to 98 years old. When I knew her, she was a real spit fire. My father Ray was her younger brother. He lived to be 92 and wasn’t a real spit fire. She was the last of the Aunts/ Uncles now there are none. So sad.
I met Aunt Mary and her family about 40 years ago when she lived in St. Petersburg Florida and lived what I thought was a mansion. But to her it was home. Aunt Mary was first class all the way. Nothing lower and always aiming for the highest gold ring. Which I liked about her. Aunt Mary’s funeral will be very spiritual because that’s how I remember her. The service will make angels sing and birds stand still. I’m sure there will be doves released and a champagne toast or sparkling apple cider made by all 5 of her children. Nothing less and certainly nothing more. Now she is in peace with all her sibling and out of pain . I see her and my parents and all the rest of the Aunts and Uncles who have passed away having a grand old time together. ” Catching up”. Hugs to you Aunt Mary .
Your niece Suzanne
Jacqueline Brettner
September 11, 2023, 1:06 pm
I’m grateful for the time I had with Granny and that she was able to meet and enjoy her grandchildren, Alistair and Sophia.
Our last visit was just a few days before she passed and she was still very full of life and laughter! I will remember her that way.
I know her and Grandpa Joe will continue to look down on us, check on our progress, and make their presence known whenever anyone does less than their very best. They would not accept anything less.
Hugs to my aunts and uncles and my father during this difficult time.
Love,
Jackie and Lauren
Mark K Sargent
September 13, 2023, 2:14 am
It’s incredible that Aunt Mary survived all of her younger brothers…especially since she was the eldest sibling! (My father being the last of her brothers to pass away last year). She was always diligent about calling my father even though half the time he couldn’t hear what she said! 🙂 I remember she was always good about staying in touch with all of her brothers and would get very concerned if she couldn’t reach them…even at 98!
She had a loving spirit and strong sense of family. Indeed, she raised a wonderful family of her own. I always felt her love and warmth whenever we would see or talk to each other. She was very genuine, kind and caring, which I think is part of her legacy that I remember about her.
It’s hard to believe she is gone. May you rest in peace Aunt Mary. Thank you for the life lessons you shared with us by your example and love. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Love Mark
Ian Tate and family
September 15, 2023, 5:48 pm
Granny,
I thank God for working through you to pass on a legacy of faith and spiritual awareness of our saving grace. Thank you for bringing my mom into the world so I could be here and teaching us a work ethic to pass along. Our family appreciated your influence.
Love,
Ian, Jen, Zach, Natalie and Bethany