Marie Brentzel

Kennebunk

Marie Brentzel, 88, of Kennebunk, passed away peacefully surrounded by family early Thursday evening on December 25, 2025 at the Kennebunk Center for Health & Rehabilitation.

She was born in Columbus, Nebraska on August 15, 1937, a daughter of Bernard and Louise (Marsolek) Sokol. Marie lived in Nebraska throughout her childhood and graduated from Duncan High School. It was in Nebraska where she met the love of her life John Brentzel, and they married on April 8, 1961. They moved to Boxborough, MA in 1968 to raise their family and resided there until John's passing in 2022. Marie then moved to Kennebunk, ME to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, and lived in the independent living wing of Huntington Common.

Marie held a variety of positions throughout her life including working as a Loan Title Specialist at Digital Credit Union for thirteen years until her retirement in 2006. One position she never retired from was being an incredible and loving Mom to her four children. Family was everything to Marie, and she was incredibly proud when she was "promoted" to Grandma with the arrivals of her two granddaughters.

Marie enjoyed gardening, puzzles, home upgrade projects, following current events/weather on TV, ice cream from Kimball's and Dairy Queen, polka dancing, and Nebraska Cornhuskers football. Above all, Marie enjoyed spending time with her family and hosting them on holidays and special occasions. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were headlined by her famous roast beef and ham, and topped off with her homemade fudge and cookies. Even last year at 87 years old, she insisted on treating her family to these incredible dishes on Thanksgiving. With a little help from her daughters Cheryl and Debbie, she once again pulled it off to perfection.

One of Marie's most favorite and proud moments in her lifetime was traveling to Georgia in 2023 to celebrate her granddaughter Ashley's wedding. She looked so beautiful in her blue dress and had so much fun the entire weekend. Thank you to Ashley's husband Connor and the Ramsey family for welcoming Marie to their home state with open arms.

Marie was the heartbeat of our family and will be deeply missed. She was not only our Mom, Grandma, and mother-in-law, but she was also our best friend. We will cherish all the special times we spent with her.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband John E. Brentzel, son John C. Brentzel, and siblings Harriet Zagozda, Barbara Ekeler, John "Jack" Sokol, and Joann Kosch.

She is survived by her three daughters Marie Bergin and husband Kevin, Debbie Brentzel, and Cheryl Howe and husband Stephen, and her two granddaughters Megan Bergin and Ashley Ramsey and husband Connor. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Marie was a member of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Acton, MA for many years. Per her wishes, there will be no public service. To view Marie's memorial page or leave an online condolence please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com