Dana R. Brien

OBITUARY NOTICE Dana Rose Brien, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 22, 2019 at home, surrounded by loved ones; after a prolonged illness. Born June 17, 1940, in Brigus, Newfoundland, Canada, to the late Ernest and Mary (Gill) Jerrett. She is predeceased by her parents; her infant daughter, Mary Francis (d. 1971); her sisters: Bette, Marion and Mary-Elaine; her brothers: Wilbert and Dave. She is survived by her husband, Tom; her children: Dr. Thomas Brien (Yvonne); Sgt. First Class[r] Peter Brien (Betty); Susan Cioc (John); Patti Brien; and John Brien. Dana was a proud Nannie to nine grandchildren: Jeffrey (Stacy); Julian; Christopher John; Ellen (John); Daniel; Katie; Emily; Remy; and Zachary. She was great-grandmother to Elora Brien. Dana also leaves a large extended family from Newfoundland, including her sisters: Pat (Frank, deceased); Lynn (Mick); and Nance (Charles); and her brothers: George (Janet); Charlie (Mary); and their families. At the age of eighteen, Dana met the love of her life, Tom Brien. They married on June 1, 1960 in Brigus, Newfoundland, and shared a 59 year journey of love. The family immigrated to the USA in 1967, after Tom’s job was transferred. Dana somehow found the courage to leave everything familiar with four small children in tow. In the years to follow, Dana was an active member of the Our Lady of Victories Parish in Sayreville, New Jersey. For many years, she taught Sunday School and CCD courses. Throughout the 1980s, Dana found peace in her involvement with the Ananda Ashram in Monroe, New York. In 1990, she earned a Hospital Administrator Certification, for which she was class valedictorian. She was a beautiful and vibrant woman who enjoyed cooking, reading, writing, and joining discussions on a wide variety of topics. Dana had a keen intellect, which she honed with her daily crossword puzzles. She was a fierce competitor at Bridge, other card games, and Scrabble, and never lost her pleasure at watching “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.” As per Dana’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Her ashes will be brought to Newfoundland for a celebration of her life, at a later date. For now, friends may visit on Thursday September 26, 2019 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home, 401 North 5th Street, Stroudsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.