Marjory Elizabeth Drennan (nee Thomas) was born in Yonkers, New York, to William and Ann Thomas in January 1956. She attended Tuckahoe High School before leaving her beloved New York for the midlands of St. Louis, Missouri, where she attended St. Louis University. She cried the first month she was here but came around.
I met Marje in 1974. She was the captain of the women’s bowling team. I was the captain of the men’s team. We dated and became inseparable. She earned her nursing degree and went on to work at Mass General in Boston while I attended Boston College. I proposed at the Old Union Oyster House. We moved back to St. Louis in 1980 and got married.
Marje worked as a nurse in multiple locations over the years. The eighties were our Decade of Children. Marje had five wonderful kids: Amanda (Rick) Reiter, Kathleen (Scott) Nickell, Meredith (Tom) Karolyshyn, Tommy, and Sabrina (Adam) Wiedenhoffer. And they, in turn, delivered four beautiful grandchildren: Chloe Nickell, Patrick, Decklyn Wiedenhoffer, and Brielle Wiedenhoffer.
Our five children were everything to Marje, and she was everything to them. She worked hard to be active in their lives, to give them a good education, and to ensure they succeeded in being the beautiful people they are today.
Everyone loved Marje. She was a great conversationalist and knew exactly what to say to make strangers and friends alike feel warm and welcome. She spoke her mind. She laughed. She loved.
She retired from nursing five years ago and filled her life with travel, her beloved children, and her beautiful grandchildren. She always wanted a front porch and, with the help of family, she designed a beautiful one. She so enjoyed sitting on her veranda and making room for friends and relatives over a glass of wine and lively conversation. Over the last few years, she developed a taste for writing and created a lovely, warm, six-book cozy mystery series about Bonnie Alcott and her second act in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.
Marje made a home for us all in her heart. And we loved her so very dearly. At the time of her sudden passing (Saturday, May 30, 2026), she had plans to travel and had bought gifts for the children and presents for the grandchildren. And she was writing, and she was enjoying every minute of her life. And…
I cannot tell you how much I loved this beautiful, wonderful woman. She was so loved by everyone, but especially by me. I love you, Marje, and I will miss you forever.
Tom Drennan, devoted husband for 45 of the best years a man can hope for.
SERVICES: A Memorial Visitation for Marje will be held at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123, on Thursday, June 4th, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute (in no particular order) to one of Marje’s favorite charities:
- Little Free Libraries at http://give.littlefreelibrary.org
- Open Door Animal Sanctuary at http://odas.org/donate
Thank you for all the years of friendship. I will miss you so much. So many memories made together. Forever grateful for your kindness and strength that touched some many lives.
So saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Marjory. I will never firget how welcome she made me feel as i spent the summer of 1993 in her family home giving me memories of a lifetime. We have stayed in touch all these years and I will miss that so much. Sending strength and love to Tom, Amanda, Kathy, Merideth, Tommy and Sabrina.
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Drennan Family from the Reynolds family in Ireland.
So saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Marjory. I will never forget how welcome she made me feel as i spent the summer of 1993 in her family home giving me memories of a lifetime. We have stayed in touch all these years and I will miss that so much. Sending strength and love to Tom, Amanda, Kathy, Merideth, Tommy and Sabrina.
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Drennan Family from the Reynolds family in Ireland.
This is such a wonderful sentiment, Tom. Having attended Tuckahoe High School with Marje, I couldn’t help but accept her invitation to move to St. Louis too. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. She remained a loving and giving friend. I feel like a member of your family. I already miss her smile and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours! 🌹🙏❤️
Tom, I cannot tell you how sorry I am about Marje’s sudden passing. She was so happy and loved you, your children and your grandchildren. I’m so glad we got in touch again and were able to travel together. She was a good friend and I’m blessed for having known her.
Marje was one of the nicest people I ever met! Such a kind woman. Always a smile on her face! She will be missed, May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Tom,
What a shock to learn of Marje’s sudden passing. I remember our days together at St Simon and what a kind and beautifully genuine gal she was. Your sentiments here are absolutely beautiful and capture only a glimpse of your beautiful life as couple and family. May your memories bring you much comfort as Marje lives on amongst you. Please know of the many prayers from the Bartolotta bunch!
God’s blessings,
Beth Bartolotta
Tom,
I was stunned to hear the news.
God, give Tom and everyone in the family comfort and support, and welcome Marie into heaven to sit next to you.
I am so sorry to hear of Marge’s passing. She was a great lady.
What a lovely remembrance of an irreplaceable woman.
Tom, I am so sorry! You and your family will be in my prayers.
I worked with Margie at the Notre Dame Motherhouse.
Tom,
I’m saddened by the news that the love of your life has passed. I hope the memories of your lives together will be a balm for your soul.
Tom,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Kind thoughts and prayers for comfort for you and your wonderful family.
Sincerely,
Ann Thoebes
Tom –
I’m so sorry to hear of Marje’s passing. I remember when your family spent several weeks in Ireland – it must have been the early 1990s, when you were my boss at General American. I always thought it was such a great idea and such a wonderful bonding experience. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Marje was a bright loving soul whose absence will leave a hole in the fabric of the neighborhood, world and universe. Condolences to all that will miss her deeply.
I knew Marj only since November of last year when our little writing group formed. We met every month in those zoom squares and talked about our stories and sometimes sharing stories about our lives. We loved Marj’s stories and her thoughtful notes on ours. She was excited for Book 7 that she had just shared some chapters from, with us for our May session. Even within those few conversations, her kindness for all and her love for her family and grandkids came through. We will miss her terribly! Hugs to you dear Tom and all her loved ones!