Mary Anne White

Mary Anne Dennis Brennan White, 93, was born on August 11, 1933 in New York City, and passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, on September 9, 2026 in Seguin, Texas. Mary Anne spent her youth between New York City and Brooklyn.

The oldest of seven children, Mary Anne knew hardship early in life, losing both of her parents while she was still very young. Those early experiences helped shape the remarkable strength and resilience she carried throughout her life.

Mary Anne was a beautiful ray of light who loved life, music, and dancing. Proud of her Irish heritage and profoundly proud to be an American as well, she carried that pride with her throughout her life. From the time she was a young woman, she had an unmistakable sense of glamour and style. Mary Anne loved beautiful styles, cosmetics and chic clothing and was always impeccably dressed, manicured and polished. With her beauty, love of dancing and natural flair, those who knew her could easily imagine that, had life taken a different turn, she might have found her way to Hollywood as a young starlet.

Mary Anne met and married the love of her life, James Brennan, in New York City. James was a decorated United States Marine who received the Silver Star for his service as a 19-year-old during the Korean War and later achieved his dream of becoming a Marine Corps fighter pilot. Their time together was far too brief. Mary Anne lost James in 1961, but she carried her love for him in her heart for the rest of her life.

Mary Anne was later briefly married to Lorin “Red” Wallace, who was also a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot. As a Marine Corps officer's wife, Mary Anne traveled from duty station to duty station on both coasts, embracing the many places and experiences that military life brought to her family.

Mary Anne first moved to California in 1960 and fell in love with Southern California. Of all the places her life took her, Southern California always held a particularly special place in her heart.

Later in life, Mary Anne was truly blessed to meet and marry Derek, who became her loyal and loving companion and the solid rock she could always lean on. They shared more than 40 wonderful years together. Derek embraced her children and grandchildren as his own, becoming a devoted father and grandfather in every way. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with their shared love of animals, gardening, cooking, decorating and travel. Mary Anne was heartbroken when she lost Derek in 2024.

Mary Anne spent much of her working life in retail cosmetics, representing prestigious lines including Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Estée Lauder. It was a career perfectly suited to her. She had a genuine passion for helping others look and feel their very best.

Above everything else, Mary Anne loved her family. She was the mother of five children: James “JB,” Susan, Sean, Terence and Megan. She endured the heartbreaking losses of James in 2013 and Terence in 2022, carrying their memories with her always.

Mary Anne was blessed with twelve grandchildren: Patrick, Devin, Shannon, Kelly, Tessa, Michael, Hilary, Brenna, Brandon, Conerie, Katherine and Joe; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Mary Anne was preceded in death by her siblings John Dennis, Daniel Shine, Geraldine Fanning, Patricia Carew and Thomas Shine. She is survived by her brother, Timothy Shine, the last surviving sibling of the seven.

Mary Anne will be remembered for her beauty and style, her strength and resilience, her love of dancing and laughter, her proud Irish spirit, and the joy she found in living life fully. Most of all, she will be remembered for the tremendous love she had for her family and the unforgettable light she brought into their lives.

Memorial Services honoring Mary Anne will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Holy Rosary recited at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass following at 11:00 a.m.