Karen Hornung Brennan

Karen Hornung Brennan, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024, surrounded by family at her home in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Karen was born March 12, 1938 to Otto and Bertha Hornung, who both immigrated to the U.S.A. in 1921 from Kirchentelinsfurt and Hamburg, Germany, respectively. Karen grew up in Detroit and graduated from Denby High School. In her early years, Karen, her sister Lilian, and her brother Ernest (Pat) spent time working for their father, a German-trained artisan sausage maker and founder of Detroit-based Alexander & Hornung Meats. After high school, Karen pursued her passion for design at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Shortly after her return to Detroit, she met and married in 1962 the love of her life, Michigan Court of Appeals Judge, the Honorable Vincent J. Brennan, who predeceased her in May 1991. Together, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and tradition. Karen is survived by her four devoted children, Vincent J. Brennan (Megan), Julia Brennan Dinan (Timothy), Patrick O. Brennan (Kathryn), and Sarah H. Brennan. Her legacy further blooms through her fourteen grandchildren, Timothy Dinan, Dr. Vincent Brennan, Jr., Michael Dinan, Daniel Brennan (Alex), Marijane Brennan Crocker (Edward), Andrea Brennan, Claire Dinan, Margaret Brennan, William Gilroy, Patrick Brennan, Erin Brennan, James Brennan, Ann Gilroy, and Katherine Gilroy, all of whom she cherished deeply. The grandchildren all have fond memories of time spent at Grandma Brennan’s house on Lake St. Clair where Sunday meals followed a day of boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer, skating and iceboating in the winter. As a mother, she nurtured, guided, and inspired. As a grandmother, she delighted in the joys and achievements of her grandchildren, always offering a listening ear and sage advice. Her home was a hub of creativity and the delicious aromas of traditional German dishes, a testament to her excellence in the kitchen. Karen's artistic flair was most evident in her ability to design and make clothing, a skill she not only enjoyed but also shared with others. Karen was also devoted to her Catholic faith, celebrating the Eucharist regularly until her health would not allow her to attend Mass. The light of God shined within her. The memory of Karen will be cherished and kept alive through the stories shared by her loving family and the numerous lives she touched. Her spirit, characterized by kindness and grace, will continue to influence, and guide her family for generations to come. Karen's life was a celebration of love, family, and faith. The family will receive guests on Thursday, May 9th from 9:30 am until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10 am at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. In Lieu of Flowers please donate to The Holy Trinity Children’s Christmas Party. Donations can be made online at https://mhtdetroit.org/outreach/childrens-christmas-party/ or mailed in. Please make checks payable to Most Holy Trinity (Children’s Christmas Party) and mail to Most Holy Trinity, 1050 Porter St., Detroit, MI 48226. Arrangements entrusted to Chas. Verheyden, Inc. in Grosse Pointe Park.