Pauline Brennan Kissell, 94, of Saxtons River passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH after a brief illness. Paulie was born January 11, 1930, in Bellows Falls, VT, the daughter of Constine and Jadwiga (Piluski) Sileski. She attended schools in Bellows Falls, graduating from BFHS. In 1948, on July 2,1949, Pauline married Austin Brennan and together they raised a large family in Bellows Falls and Westminster.

Paulie was a gentle, caring woman who loved her children deeply. A woman of uncommon resilience, she persevered through some very hard times and relished the best of times in the company of her family and friends. She enjoyed a good book, loved the beach and fireworks and had a great laugh. Her interests included sewing, knitting, cake decorating, gardening, skiing, golfing, hosting family gatherings and later in life traveling throughout the country with her partner, Jim McGuirk. An accomplished home cook and baker, in mid-life Paulie began cooking for Fitz Vogt and Associates and worked for some years at several residential facilities in the region.

For many years she was a parishioner at St. Charles Church, a proud member of the “Old Terrace Knitting Club” in Bellows Falls and an active member of the Westminster Red Hatters. She spent the last years of her life happily ensconced at The Bradley House in Brattleboro, VT. A classy and stylish lady, she was strong-willed and determined to make the most of every day with poise and grace.

She is survived by her children, John Brennan (Lynn) of Colchester, Martin Brennan-Sawyer (Susan) of Walpole, NH, Beth Callan (Jim) of Rutland, Carol Brennan Johnson (Richard) of Bellows Falls, Matthew Brennan (Kelley) of Saxtons River and Dempsey Brennan of Saxtons River. She also is survived by one brother, Richard Sileski and three sisters, Amelia Clark, Mary Davis, and Alexandria LaFlam. She leaves thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Katherine, first husband, Austin Brennan, second husband, Tony Kissell, late-life partner, Jim McGuirk, two brothers, Wallace and James Sileski and one sister, Helen Cray.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery. There will be a reception after at The Saxtons River Inn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Cares.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.