Letitia Rosalie DePace Brennan died at her home on November 14, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Letty, who was affectionately known as Mom, GlamMom, Nonna, G’Mom, Gigi and “the cool aunt” had a keen memory even at 94. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary, graduation or special events, always celebrating family and friends with generous gifts and meticulously chosen, handwritten cards full of news.
Born in Wilmington, Letty was daughter of Daniel and Rose DePace, who were naturalized citizens born in Italy.
She was proud of her father who was the first Italian American to be admitted to the Delaware Bar Association. Her childhood was spent growing up in the city surrounded by Italian culture: good food, Sunday dinners, and summers in Wildwood Crest.
Letty attended Sacred Heart School, Ursuline Academy and the University of Delaware. She was one of few women at that time who graduated with a business degree. Upon graduation, she was hired at the DuPont Company. In 1953, she married James P. Brennan, her husband of 62 years. Her dream of having a big family was fulfilled, as she joyfully raised six children.
Letty’s talents as cook and homemaker shone brightly, especially during the holidays, where she curated dinner menus, decorated beautifully, arranged flowers, and invited everyone to the table. She had a gentle, thoughtful spirit, always loved a party, and delighted in having lunch out with her many friends. She loved to dress up for special occasions, explore new restaurants and treat her family to memorable meals.
Letty volunteered at the Immaculate Heart Library, St Francis Hospital Junior Board, Meals on Wheels, Saint Patrick’s Community Center, and as a docent at Winterthur Museum. She and her husband, Jim, sponsored numerous students with scholarships and moral support over several decades.
Letty especially enjoyed traveling, music, movies, theater, and good times at Lewes Beach. She loved holding babies and was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, who she enjoyed right up until the end.
Letty will be remembered for her optimism, devotion to loved ones, intelligence, faith, sense of humor, her generosity, diplomacy, her practical advice and quiet strength, and her spaghetti & meatballs and epic ice cream sundaes.
Letty was predeceased by her husband James P. Brennan; her brothers Daniel, Louis and William, and her sister Beatrice.
She is survived by her children, Sean Brennan of Sonora, Calif.; Deirdre Ritchie (Patrick) of Hockessin, Maureen Williams (Daniel) of Salisbury, Md.; Shelagh Heurtebize (Frederic) of Newton, Mass; Patrick Brennan (Lourdes) of Tucson, Ariz; and Kathleen Brennan of Alexandria, Va.; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and her best friend of 90 years Joan Roddy.
A visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church,10 Old Church Road, Greenville, DE followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society (ssvpusa.org) or Meals On Wheels (mealsonwheelsamerica.org).
