Carmen and Lawrence Brennan

Carmen Brennan, age 80, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and her beloved husband Lawrence “Larry” Brennan, age 83, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026. Married for 54 years, they shared a lifetime of love, partnership and devotion to one another and their family.

Together, Larry and Carmen enjoyed listening to jazz music and meeting numerous jazz musicians. They had big hearts and took care of the people in their circle in any way needed. Both were intolerant of injustice and worked very hard at being good people.

Carmen was born on Jan. 12, 1946, in Mexico to parents Baltzar and Micaela (nee Pérez) Balcazar.

She worked as a secretary for the Port Washington-Saukville School District. Carmen was an avid reader and enjoyed making food for her family.

Larry was born on June 12, 1942, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to parents Lawrence and Alice (nee Carmichael) Brennan Sr.

He worked for the National Labor Relations Board for 40 years. Larry had a reputation for being fair and compassionate under any circumstances.

They are survived by their daughter Dr. Melinda Brennan (Dr. Nicholas Belongie) and close friends.

They were preceded in death by their parents and Carmen’s sister Marina Kornacki.

If you would like to honor their memory and support the family, gifts can be given to the ACLU of Wisconsin in honor or memory of Carmen Brennan (nee Carmen Balcazar) and Larry Brennan. Checks made out to the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation (please indicate that they are a memorial gift) can be mailed to 207 E. Buffalo St., suite 325, Milwaukee, WI 53202 or you can donate online at https://action.aclu.org/give/aclu-wisconsin-tribute-gift-form.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff with Aurora at Home Hospice.

Though they passed on different days, their love and legacy remain inseparable. They will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.