Doris C. Brennan Naedele Emerick

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the gentle passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Doris C. Brennan Naedele Emerick, on October 21, 2025, in West Milford, NJ, at the age of 98. She is now at peace and wrapped in the arms of the Lord.

Born in Bridgeport, CT, Doris was the beloved daughter of the late Sylvester Brennan and the late Karla Hjaltason Brennan. She is survived by her sister, Marjorie Brennan Mackey of Baton Rouge, LA; her daughters, Mary Ellen Naedele Bobowick Samatulski of Shelton, CT, and Patricia Naedele Gray of West Milford, NJ; her daughters-in-law, Cheryl Dewhirst Naedele of Oxford, CT, and Cherie Hall Naedele of Big Pine Key, FL; her stepchildren, Mark Emerick and his wife Anjani of Columbia, MD, and Susan Emerick Abed and her husband Samir of Chapel Hill, NC; her children's half-sisters, Terriann Naedele Plude of Shelton, CT, and Joan Naedele Carr and her husband Neal of Shelton, CT; and her grandchildren, Donna Naedele Friedline and her husband Scott, Gregor Bobowick, Kurt Bobowick and his wife Sarah, Kara Samatulski McAndrew and her husband Patrick, Brennan Gray and his wife Jacquelyn, Brittany Gray Walker and her husband Kevin, Robert (BJ) Naedele, Jr. and his wife Kate, Shaun Naedele and his wife Annie, and Shannon Naedele Levey and her husband Quinn. Doris is also survived by nineteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately called her Aunt Doe.

In addition to her parents, Doris was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Emerick; her sister, Phyllis Brennan Mangines; her brother, Robert Brennan; her two adored sons, Gerald Naedele and Robert Naedele, Sr.; her former husband, John Naedele; and her cherished dog, Taurus.

Doris was a nearly lifelong resident of Connecticut but spent the past two and a half years in New Jersey, where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Patricia, and the staff at the Mira Vie. She grew up in Long Hill and then lived in the Bridgeport area until the age of 95. Doris graduated from Bridgeport's Bassick High School in 1944, where she proudly served as Class Secretary and was a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating, she worked at Chance Vought Aircraft, helping with the war effort alongside many other young women of Bridgeport.

In 1957, with four young children at home, Doris rejoined the workforce as a librarian at the North End Branch of the Bridgeport Public Library, where she was well-loved by patrons of all ages. She was later promoted to Administrative Assistant to the Head Librarian, a role in which she served successfully for many years. After retiring, the City of Bridgeport asked her to return as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of the Bridgeport Police Department, a role she held for several more years. Doris proudly earned her college degree with honors from Housatonic Community College in 1995, at the age of 68.

Throughout her life, Doris was an avid reader and a lover of crossword puzzles. She was an accomplished seamstress and a master of crochet. She enjoyed gardening, swimming, bowling, racquetball, line dancing, Zumba, and bingo, and she had a passion for world travel.

Doris was blessed with a brilliant mind, a generous heart, and a gentle soul. If you knew Doris, you loved Doris. She welcomed all to her home and table. Her home was a warm haven for many, filled with laughter and joy.

Although Doris held many roles throughout her long life, the one she cherished most—and the one she did best—was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved deeply and was deeply loved. Doris will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass at Saint Mark Catholic Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT, on Friday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Bob Naedele '72 Student Athlete Scholarship Fund, Notre Dame High School, 220 Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT, 06825.

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