MARIE BRENZALL

MARIE BRENZALL

BRENZALL, MARIE (nee AMODEO) 1925 – 2021 Sadly, Marie passed away, on February 1, 2021. Along with her husband Charles “Chuck” Brenzall, Marie was a longtime resident of Richmond Hill. Marie and Chuck were married for 62 years before he passed in 2005, building a life full of love, laughter and, most importantly, chocolate cake. Marie grew up with four brothers in an Italian-Scottish immigrant family. Out of necessity, she developed a feisty and determined personality along with a zest for life, which she maintained throughout her 95 years. She was someone who threw many parties and attended many others. And danced and sang often, especially to Frank Sinatra.

Marie had a career straight out of the classic movies she loved so much. She started out as one of Canada’s famous “Bomb Girls,” making munitions that helped the Allies win the war. She then went on to work an astounding variety of jobs, which included stints at a supermarket, florist, chocolate maker (she insisted that scene from I Love Lucy was based on her) and finally at Sears, mostly so she could get deals on all the home appliances she bought for friends and family. Charleen was her only daughter, and a more devoted mother-child relationship seems impossible to imagine. Marie was so proud of Charleen and all that she accomplished as a lawyer.

When Charleen married John he too became an important part of the family. The only thing Marie loved more than teasing John was feeding the family dogs table scraps over his objection. Marie was a committed, fun and kind grandmother (aka Nanny) to Luke (Danielle Koehn) and Maggie. She was a huge part of their childhoods, whether it was taking them to amusement parks, giving them candy when Charleen wasn’t looking, or allowing them to play their favourite game called “hide Nanny’s slippers.” Luke and Maggie continued to enjoy an incredibly close relationship with Nanny well into adulthood. Marie was thrilled that she lived long enough to meet her great-grandson Hudson, who also loved her very much.

Marie was predeceased by her brothers Richard, Joe and Jimmy. Sammy, the baby of the family, carries on the family legacy. There won’t be a funeral service but those who wish to do so can post memories, pictures or comments at the Online Condolences page of Marshall’s Funeral Home. https://www.marshallfuneralhome.com/obituary-listing If desired, donations to Operation Smile, the CNIB or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.