Grace J. Brenneman 1932-2025

She was born Aug. 3, 1932, in Niles, to Ernest and Mary Reahle.

Grace was raised in a spiritual Italian-American home, the eldest sibling to James and Ernest. She graduated from Niles McKinley High School and married James Brenneman, with whom she had three children, Diana, Jim and John.

After her husband returned from the Army with fatal MS, Grace courageously raised her children alone in the red brick home her father helped build on Draper Street. She was most proud of what her children accomplished.

She lived simply but richly, devoted to her faith, her family and the importance of daily life. She prayed and read her Bible and every day (especially Psalms) and kept her Christmas tree up year-round. She loved food and cooked abundant meals, such as roasted chicken, macaroni / potato / cucumber salads, liver and onions, and spaghetti and meatballs.

Grace had a gift for truly listening and an immense, graceful will to live. She advised, “Pray to God to help you through,” and knowing everything is in God’s hands. She had a lightning memory, the strength to stand firm in her beliefs, forgiveness for those who made her path harder and an incredibly resourceful heart.

She delighted in strawberry picking with her daughter, sewing hair bows, secondhand treasure hunting, beach trips with her son Jim, weekly errands, Carmen’s pizza, donuts and going to the Hot Dog Shoppe. She adored spending time with her grandchildren.

When the family said “I love you,” Grace always replied, “I love you more.”

She is survived by her children, Diana (David) Fowler, James (Kathy) Brenneman and John (Sandy) Brenneman; brother, James Reahle; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, James Brenneman, Erin and Aurora Fowler, Chris Lipnick, Jessica and Robert Brenneman, and Lindsay (James) Hoertt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ernest Reahle; former husband, James Brenneman; daughter-in-law, Kathy Brenneman; and grandsons, Sean Fowler and Matt Lipnick.

Her celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Pineview Cemetery, Warren.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.

(special notice)