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11/04/2022 10:15 AMTrudy Kneeland Brennan Brekus, 93, of Palm Beach, Florida, and Guilford, died peacefully from natural causes on Sept. 27. Trudy was born on
March 23, 1929, in Worcester, Massachusetts to Frederick and Gertrude Brennan. She graduated from Classical High School and Harvard Radcliffe College, where she met her future husband, Gordon L. Brekus, to whom she was happily married for 59 years.
Trudy had a strong ethic of service, and for decades she was actively involved as a volunteer in many charitable organizations in Palm Beach. She was a devoted member of the St. Edward’s Women’s Guild, and she also volunteered for the Arthritis Foundation, the Lourdes-Noreen McKeen Residence, the American Heart Association, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the Palm Beach Symphony, the Boys and Girls Club, and Adopt-A-Family. She also chaired the Schools Committee of the Harvard Club of the Palm Beaches, where she shared her love of Harvard with generations of prospective students. Her generosity was recognized by the Grand Volunteer Award from the American Heart Association, the Hiram S. Hunn Memorial Schools and Scholarships Award from Harvard University, and the Caritas Dei Dedication Award from Catholic Charities. She lived a long and fulfilling life, and in her final years she often expressed gratitude for her many blessings.
Trudy is survived by her son Richard and daughter-in-law Sheryne of North Palm Beach, Florida; her daughter Carol and son-in-law David Watson of Madison; her daughter Catherine and son-in-law Erik Sontheimer of Auburndale, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Matthew Brekus, Brooke Aston and husband Tyler, Claire Sontheimer, Andrew Watson and wife Carly, Daniel Brekus, and Rachel Sontheimer; her two great-grandchildren, Wilder and Indigo Watson; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Trudy was preceded in death in 2011 by her beloved husband, Gordon L. Brekus.
A funeral service was held at St. Edward Church on Oct. 11 with Rev. Glen L. Pothier, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, 1712 2nd Avenue North Lake Worth, Florida 33460.