Bernadette "Berni" Brennan

Bernadette “Berni” Mary Brennan, of Northville, passed away peacefully at age 67 on February 22, 2026. She was born on August 19, 1958, to Arthur and Delphine (Boguski) Rutkowski.

She is preceded in death by her husbands Bradley Paul Vargo and Robert Paul Brennan and her parents Arthur and Delphine.

Bernadette was a woman of deep faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. A faith-filled Catholic, she carried her beliefs, quietly but powerfully, drawing strength from prayer and trusting God in both the joyful and difficult seasons of life. One of the most cherished, faith-filled experiences of her life was the ability to complete a Pilgrimage to Lourdes as a Malade with the Order of Malta; she was accompanied by her brother Christopher and her daughter Ashli. Her faith shaped the way she loved — with generosity, patience, forgiveness, and steadfast commitment to those around her.

Above all, Bernadette was a devoted mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her beloved children Ashli (Alex) and Jonathon (Clarissa), and her grandson Henry, who were the greatest blessings of her life. She poured herself into her children and their spouses with fierce love, constant encouragement, and unwavering support. Her strength, guidance, and love will remain with them always. She also leaves behind her treasured siblings, their spouses, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, godchildren, and many devoted friends from all phases of her life.

Bernadette will be remembered for her compassion, strong spirit, sense of humor, and her unparalleled ability to make others feel cared for and protected. She had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and warm in her presence. In her final days, she demonstrated grace and dignity even in the face of adversity and chose to be at peace while surrounded by those she loved most.

Her legacy lives on in the faith she shared, the love she gave so freely, and the family she cherished above all else. Bernadette touched all our lives in so many beautiful and meaningful ways. Her impact will live on through each of those she loved, in all the ways we show love and care to each other and to the world.

We love you forever, we like you for always, as long as we’re living, our mother you’ll be.

Visitation for Bernadette will be taking place on Thursday, February 26, from 3:00PM – 8:00PM, at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154. Rosary service will begin at 7:00PM.

Mass will take place Friday, February 27, at 11:00AM at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville, MI 48167.

Committal will take place Friday, February 27, at 2:30PM at St. Hedwig Cemetery, 23755 Military Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation in memory of Bernadette Brennan.