Condolence: Dear Family of Ann Marie Drennan,

As a friend and colleague at the
School of Social Work, I believe I speak for the faculty and staff here when I say how we so very much miss the warmth and grace of our dear departed colleague and friend, your mom. For all of us, at different moments, the emotions well-up when we recall her presence that is no more. Ann Marie Drennan always made you feel special and loved...her eternal gift to us and our social work students. Perhaps a little less known was her steely will that we saw put to fine use in many a meeting in the early days of our social work program. At that time, we were in dire need of new quarters. Ann was our secret weapon we used to say with bemusement. For underlying that lovely sweet countenance was terrific smarts, drive and a will to make good things happen.

Thank you my dear sweet friend
and colleague for enhancing our
life at the School of Social Work
and the lives of all who had the
priveledge and honor of knowing you.

Ann Roy
Professor
School of Social Work

Condolence: Prof. Ann Marie Drennan, an exceptionally talented and dedicated social worker and a person with a deep and abiding faith, who touched so very many people with her empathy, wisdom, and sincerity, will always, always, have a special place in my life. For five and a half years we worked side-by-side, sharing professional and personal challenges and successes. Her ever-buoyant spirit and love for people and life provide a model of engagement with the world for us all to aspire to. I have often gained renewed optimism from, and will in the future often think of, one of her many inspirational phrases, typically employed when it seemed the chips were down: "High beams on the positive!" Prof. Drennan always focused on the best in people and on the best about life. She gave her all to her family, her clients, her students, her colleagues, and her faith, and I am fortunate to have known and worked with her. The world is a much better place because of the contributions of Prof. Drennan, my friend and colleague.

Condolence: I regret that I cannot attend the memorial service at the school of social work. Ann was a truly wonderful person. I will always remember her saying "put the high beams on the positive" and "hitch your wagon to a star." She was very welcoming when I began to work at the school and I really appreciated that a lot. I miss her.

Walter Mullin

Condolence: To the family of my dear frienid Ann

I can only say what you already know . .and that is how very special Ann was and how very much she loved each and every member of her family. I had the privilege of knowing Ann as a colleague and a friend - her deep sense of professionalism combined with her
ever present humor and spirituality
will forever leave "footprints on my heart." And I am left smiling because I know she is with her dearest Peter and Michael. And those blue eyes continue to twinkle with mischief . .even in heaven . .of this I am sure.

Love,

Joan Lesser

Condolence: Your mom's spirit lives!

Condolence: Ann was small and petite, but her big heart beat with a passion for life and people. My guess is she’s been welcomed in her heaven with “Cead Mile Failte” -One Hundred Thousand Welcomes.
I am reminded of her spirit and love of us all by James Taylor’s wonderful song- and my---- didn’t she indeed have a “lovely ride”!
My tribute to Ann and fond remembrances shared with Ann’s family and the Springfield College SSW community,
Mary Byrne

Secret O' Life

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
Any fool can do it, there ain't nothing to it.
Nobody knows how we got to the top of the hill.
But since we're on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride.

The secret of love is in opening up your heart.
It's okay to feel afraid, but don't let that stand in your way.
Cause anyone knows that love is the only road.
And since we're only here for a while, might as well show some style. Give us a smile.

Isn't it a lovely ride? Sliding down, gliding down,
try not to try too hard, it's just a lovely ride.

Now the thing about time is that time isn't really real.
It's just your point of view, how does it feel for you?
Einstein said he could never understand it all.
Planets spinning through space, the smile upon your face, welcome to the human race.

Some kind of lovely ride. I'll be sliding down, I'll be gliding down.
Try not to try too hard, it's just a lovely ride.
Isn't it a lovely ride? Sliding down, gliding down,
try not to try too hard, it's just a lovely ride.
The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.

Condolence: Professor Ann Marie Drennan

I first met Professor Ann Marie Drennan last year as a first year part-time graduated student. I was about to begin my search for my initial field placement. I remember walking into her office for my first appointment. I was nervous, not knowing where to begin my search after only being a student for one semester, and a teacher for 25 years. I vividly recall three things about her after our first introduction: her delicate appearance, her winning smile, and her incredible mind.
Professor Drennan believed that each individual should be allowed to choose their assignment by his or her own merits and not by any external social indicators such as age, sex or social class. True to form, she let me search out my choices for the exact field placement that would benefit my needs. Rather than discriminating and capping my abilities she gave me free rein to choose an appropriate placement for my first year practicum.
Death always brings to close so many unfulfilled wishes. I recently found myself, as I passed her office with the shade drawn and the door locked, regretting that I couldn’t have one more hour. Although ever since I met her, her body was frail, her mind was always so energetic that I could never imagine her passing away.
Professor Ann Marie Drennan cannot be replaced and there will always be an absence in the lives she has touched.

There Are No Words to Match My Gratitude
There are no words to match my gratitude,
However much like Shakespeare I might write.
Above all else, you’ve shaped my attitude,
Nurturing me with discipline and light.
Knowledge is the least of what you taught,
Yet that least at least prepared my head.
Out of your heart I’ve learned the things I ought,
Underscoring words you never said.


By: George Friedrich Handel. Sequenced by Marty Weimer

Condolence: Ann Drennan was a woman of remarkable spirit, courage and kindness who shared each of her many strengths so generously with everyone she encountered. She was a valued colleague at the Springfield College School of Social Work and her many contributions will be among the gifts I express gratitude for in this season of giving. All of us at the school of social work look forward to celebrating her life and contributions further in the new year. Blessings to her beloved family, of whom she was always so proud.

Condolence: I was saddened to hear of of Ann's death. I work in Locklin Hall and was fortunate to get to know Ann in her days here. She was a gentle woman who always had a smile on her face and a few minutes to chat. She will be missed.

Condolence: I am a recent graduate of Springfield College School of Social work and had the opportunity to sit and talk with this wonderful individual. She always encouraged me to keep my head up when times got tough. She made a lasting impression on me with her dedication to others.