Marlene Brennan

Rotterdam -Marlene Brennan, age 69, of Summer Street, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in the comfort of her home, on Christmas Eve Day, December 24th, 2022. She was born on February 11th, 1953, the daughter of the late Frank and Marion (Tkacy) Hotaling of Schenectady, and was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School in 1971. Marlene was last employed with the NYS Office of the State Comptroller - enjoying her retirement and spending many memorable years with her family. She was united in marriage with Robert William Brennan, who passed away in 2012. Marlene loved working with her plants and listening to music. She was a kind and generous person, always taking care of everyone around her before herself. Marlene had a smile that would light up the room and had a fantastic sense of humor. Always the optimist, she never failed to "look on the bright side" or to find ways to turn failures into triumphs. She was very family-oriented and especially enjoyed being a devoted grandmother and taking an occasional trip to the casino with her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles to keep her mind sharp and chasing after her granddaughter and her grandpuppies to help keep her young. She was of the Catholic faith. Survivors include her devoted children, Robert James Brennan of Seattle, WA (along with Micha Pauza of Seattle, WA and Pete Johnson of Bethel, VT) and Jaclyn Renee Pooler and husband Samuel Benjamin Pooler of Amsterdam, NY; her cherished granddaughter, Emma Grace, adored grandsons, Carter and Ethan Pooler; siblings, Sharon Hotaling and Rich of Colonie, Denise Livingston, Dawn Graham (and her late husband Doug), Frank Hotaling (Bonnie), David Hotaling (Betty), Terry O’Brien, Keith O’Brien (Beth), Lance LaMora; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marlene's funeral service will commence on Monday, January 2nd, 2023, at 6 pm from DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam, with The Very Rev. James Belogi, Pastor, of St. Madeleine Sophie Church, Schenectady,officiating. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the funeral home on Monday, from 5-6 pm, before the service. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.