Judith V. "Judy" Brennan

Judith V. "Judy" Brennan, 86, of Springfield, formerly of Havana, passed away surrounded by friends and family at Memorial Medical Center, in Springfield, at 11:03 a.m., on Saturday, October 10, 2026. She was born at home June 11, 1940, in Bluff City, Illinois, to Leo and Eva (Thompson) Curless. She married Dale “John” Brennan on November 8, 1959, in Bluff City, Illinois. He preceded her in death on April 9, 2008.

Judy is survived by one daughter: Dalena Brennan, of Springfield, Illinois; two sisters: Pauline Atchley, of Lewistown, Illinois, and Janie (Jess) Atterberry, of Sherman, Illinois as well as her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers: Wayne Curless and Paul Curless.

Judy was a member of the Havana Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday School, volunteered for blood drives, and cooked meals. She worked for the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation as Supervisor and Personnel Manager, retiring in 1998 after almost forty years of service. Since moving to Springfield in 2019, she attended Rochester Christian Church. She was known by many as simply, "Aunt Jude". And known affectionately by friends and family as small, but mighty. She loved making salsa, looking at recipes, and cooking for family, friends, and those in need. Her family joked with her that she "fed Havana". Judy was a generous woman and regularly donated to various charities. She was particularly fond of supporting the Havana Food Pantry. Judy loved to shop and taught her nieces and daughter that if you find a pair of shoes you like, you should buy it in every color! She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. She looked forward to having her hair done every Friday. Family was very important to her.

Funeral services will be held at the Havana Church of Christ on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Rev. Bill Boyce and Rev. Dave Upchurch will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Havana Food Pantry. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home, in Havana, is in charge of arrangements.

Mark A. McGrew

Mark Allen McGrew, 72, of Havana, passed away on October 9, 2026 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Mark was born on June 30, 1954 the only child of John “Corky” and Anna Lou (Euteneuer) McGrew in Peoria, Illinois. The family lived in Havana, IL where Mark cultivated many close life long friendships.

Mark was first married to Dan Matson who preceded him in death. The two spent the majority of their lives together in Glendale, CA where they were known for their parties and celebrations. They later returned to Havana, IL to care for Mark’s mother, where they remained until Dan’s passing. Mark later met his second husband Brad Barnes. Mark and Brad shared a unique bond and special love, with both having been blessed to find a partner who shared not only the understanding of losing a spouse but a unique sense of humor, and a love of fine food and adventure.

An avid reader and keen businessman himself, Mark was a passionate advocate of the Havana Public Library and served as President of the Board of Directors. Mark believed in the magic of a good book and the importance of supporting literacy and education. In addition, he served on the Havana Octoberfest committee where he was an active and vital part of the past success of this event.

However, for those who knew Mark, it wasn’t his committee positions, education, or accomplishments for which he will be remembered. It was Mark’s kindness of spirit, generosity, and sense of humor that made Mark special to all who crossed his path. Mark made everyone laugh with his unmatched humor in any situation. He made everyone feel special. He was able to fit into any crowd like he belonged there and made everyone feel as if they did too. To know Mark was to love Mark. He will be forever missed, forever loved, and forever remembered with a smile and the thought of a time where you laughed with him.

An open house celebration of life will be held in Mark’s honor on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 2-5pm at Vic’s Place Event Center in Havana. Additional information will be provided via social media.

Memorials may be made in remembrance of Mark to the Havana Public Library.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of cremation rites and arrangements.