Sparkman Hillcrest Obits
Marianne Brehany Grossman, age 68, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Feb. 3, 2024, after a courageous battle with a rare and untreatable neurologic disorder, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Marianne was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and a generous friend to all who knew her.
Marianne was born on June 28, 1955, in Rochester, PA, to the late John ("Jack") and Nancy Brehany. She grew up in Aliquippa, PA, New York City, Allentown, PA, and eventually, Canton, OH, where she graduated from Glenwood High School in 1973. She then attended Miami University in Oxford, OH, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities/Behavioral Disorders in 1977. While at Miami, Marianne met the love of her life and future husband of 45 years, Stan Grossman. They married in 1978 in Rochester, MN, where Marianne worked as a special education teacher and Stan attended medical school.
For Marianne, family was everything. Marianne and Stan went on to have three children?Joe, Scott, and Laura?who were the center of Marianne's world. She often said her true calling in life was raising her kids, and she demonstrated that daily. She cherished participating in their many school events and after-school activities and took a genuine interest in their personal lives. She maintained a close friendship with each of them until her passing, and her love, support, and guidance were a constant presence and source of comfort that will be missed tremendously. Two years ago, Marianne was blessed with a grandson, Jack, from her son Joe and Catherine Halverson. Marianne thoroughly enjoyed doting on Jack, and the words, "I love you, Mimi!" so often spoken by Jack, never failed to melt her heart.
Marianne's passion for children and caretaking was evident from a young age: from babysitting and volunteering in her church's nursery as a teenager to teaching students with disabilities after college. Her sweet and nurturing personality was also apparent in her devotion to, care of, and friendship with her younger sister, the late Susan Brehany. Marianne happily included Susan, who was born with physical and health limitations, in all aspects of her life, including ensuring Aunt Sue was a central figure in her kids' lives. Later in life, Marianne was a devoted daughter to her elderly parents, selflessly and lovingly caring for them in their final years.
Marianne and her family led a wonderful, fulfilled life together. They lived in Columbus, OH, St. Louis, MO, Pittsburgh, PA, and finally Plano for the past 28 years. In each new place, Marianne thrived; she created a warm and loving home for her family and developed wonderful, lifelong friendships along the way. She was warm, giving, and loved by all who knew her. Marianne was happiest when those she loved were happy, and she often said her dream vacation was anywhere with her family (especially if that was at a beach!). Marianne loved sitting in her backyard in the sun while listening to the birds, traveling far and wide for her favorite country concerts, and watching fireworks whenever possible.
We will dearly miss our sweet wife, mom, and "Mimi," but our memories of her love and devotion will stay with us forever. How lucky we were to have had her and her love in our lives. She taught us the importance of kindness, understanding, and selflessness, while also reminding us to celebrate every day and enjoy the special things in life, like Chanel No. 5, sparkle, and cotton candy.
Marianne was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Susan Brehany, and loving parents, Nancy and Jack Brehany. She is survived by her adoring husband, Stan; her children, Joe Grossman, Scott Grossman (Stephanie), and Laura Brandt (Rob); her grandson, Jack Grossman; her sister Karen Harris (Johnnie); as well as many cousins and extended family. Marianne maintained a membership at Christ Church Plano until her passing.
A celebration of Marianne's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy., in Dallas. The service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4073456
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help her young godson, Rowan Collier (age 5), as he bravely faces serious and ongoing health challenges after undergoing a liver transplant as an infant and battling subsequent complications, including childhood cancer. Marianne met Rowan, his big brother Everett, and his parents, Brigette and Todd Collier, at Christ Church, and they have become close friends to Marianne and Stan. For those who wish to honor Marianne's memory with a donation, she would appreciate your support for Rowan's many medical expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9vvcg-rowans-post-liver-transplant-battles
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