November 27, 1925 - May 31, 2018
I just finished watching the documentary about her and she was one impressive woman. She came into the business and defined everything about restaurant hospitality and made everything look so easy. Rest in Peace Ms. Ella you will be very much missed in the world. Your tour of duty is over.
Posted by: Laurie Kruse - Jersey City, NJ
Mar 20, 2019
Our condolences to the Brennan family. My wife and I love great food and have eaten in many wonderful restaurants both here and in Europe. Commanders has always been, hands down, our favorite. We had the pleasure of meeting Miss Brennan several times and they were always pleasantly memorable. She will be truly missed.
Posted by: Sid & Libby Bigham - Tallahassee, FL
Jun 07, 2018
While starting out in the restaurant business Miss Ella was my mentor at both Brennan's French Quarter and Commander's Palace .
Since then back in the late 70's I was always reflecting back on Miss Ella's tutoring and wisdom as I opened and operated 11 restaurants and could never had done it without the teachings of Miss Ella and the Brennan family .
My prayers and wishes for Peace and Comfort at this time to the entire family .
RIP
Posted by: Eddie Adams - Albuquerque, NM
Jun 06, 2018
Ti, I never had the opportunity to meet your Mother but in looking and the pictures and reading the memorials I realized how much you look like her in so many ways. That beautiful smile that lights up your face when you are greeting people and I believe the same personality and strength. I am happy to know you for these many years and send you my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your Mother and I hope you receive comfort in the love of so many for you and Miss Ella.
Posted by: Pattie Schof - Metairie, LA - friend
Jun 04, 2018
Miss Ella,
Thank you for all the good times and wonderful memories you have given myself and anyone else who has had the pleasure of dining at Commander's. While the restaurant will continue to operate, it will always be missing a little something......you and your infectious spirit!!!
You will be missed here, but the memories you have afforded us will live in our hearts forever. We love you Miss Ella.......rest now in God's loving arms. :-)
Posted by: Lisa Edwards - New Orleans, LA
Jun 04, 2018
Condolences to the family. 15 plus years ago my wife and I stopped to speak to Miss Brennan in the kitchen as we were being escorted upstairs to our table. Trying to be complimentary I told her we typically dont eat in large restaurants. She courteously for several minutes explained why Commanders was not a large restaurant. After we were settled at our table hors doeuvres arrived compliments of Miss Brennan as did the dinning room manager and head waiter all checking on us. Needless to say we had a fabulous meal and dining experience then and since.
Posted by: Michael Uiberall - Memphis, TN - acquaintance
Jun 03, 2018
Ti and Alex,
Your mom was something special, she was the real deal. God doesn't make women like her anymore. She loved you both very much and is so proud of you. Don't forget she is going to have her eyes on you from the heavens above so make sure you keep the standards for your restaurants higher now than ever. She won't miss a thing from her seat in heaven.
What an honor it was to work for your family.
My love and sincere condolences.
Kay-La Hughes
Posted by: Kay-La Hughes - Houston, TX - coworker
Jun 03, 2018
Condolences to the Brennan family. Just celebrated another birthday at Commanders Palace, my favorite restaurant in New Orleans! Was lucky enough to meet Ella Brennan at Commanders back in the 1980s. She will always be remembered as one of New Orleans great ladies and restauranteurs. So glad I lived and loved New Orleans during her lifetime. God bless Miss Ella Brennan!
Marjie Mader
St Louis, Missouri
Posted by: Marjorie Mader - St Louis, MO
Jun 02, 2018
My heart goes out to the entire Brennan Family for Your loss.
I had the opportunity to get to know her a little and spend a little time with her. Everything I ever heard her say was very meaningful. She was very special. The Brennan Family is very special. My heart and prayers are with You all.
Shelly Wills
New Orleans
Posted by: Shelly Wills - New Orleans, LA
Jun 02, 2018
This wonderful lady is an absolute hero for all Southern women. Never take no for an answer, never back down from doing what's right and NEVER be pushed aside because of being a woman. Fearless and forthright, compassionate and driven, honest and hard working - all elegant words, but yet they're inadequate to describe Miss Ella. I dined at Commander's Wednesday evening and enjoyed an unbelievable meal, but it is so, so sad she has departed from us. What a joy Heaven has now with its newest Angel. Fly high Ella! you were cherished and will not be forgotten.
Posted by: Jonce' Smith - Jackson, MS
Jun 02, 2018
By far my FAVORITE Ella memory was when I was a back waiter in the main dining room. This was late 2002-early 2003 and it was one of those torrential downpours we have here in New Orleans. We had clueless guests asking for a cab, unaware that the streets were flooding and water was approaching the front door step.
Ella being a take-charge kind of woman gets outside on the restaurants front steps and start yelling STOOOOP! at passing cars in hopes they would slow down and stop causing a wake from the flood waters.
Managers had to eventually park the van (there used to be a van) at the corner of Washington and Coliseum to deter traffic and the valets busted their butts that day. Ella rewarded them with $100 bills for each.
THOSE were the good old days.
Posted by: Tiffany - coworker
Jun 01, 2018
We express our sympathies to the McFarlane family, many, many friends and colleagues. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories, great cooking and wonderful times together. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. So treasure that memory.
Posted by: EJ - CA
Jun 01, 2018
As humans, we tend to forget that there are real people behind our favorite places and memories. I will never forget eating with my family at Brennan's in the 1960s, and I am so appreciative of Ms. Brennan and her family. My sincere condolences on the loss of this brilliant woman.
Posted by: Diane Glaze - Los Alamitos, CA
Jun 01, 2018
We still fondly remember a most enjoyable Sunday morning brunch at The Commandor's Palace with Spring blooms and breezes, while listening to "What a Wonderful life". Such a fantastic atmosphere created. Thanks to the family and God's blessings as you work through your grief.
Posted by: Rob & Ramona - Spartanburg, SC
Jun 01, 2018
I am sorry to read of the passing of such an iconic individual in the food industry. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. May the love and memories you have for her continue to sustain your family as you deal with the loss. May "the God of peace,"(2Thessalonians 3:16) be with your family as well. Please take care.
Posted by: Nancy - MD
Jun 01, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the Brennan family from Luticha Alcorn Perkins and Alcornette
Alcorn August, daughters of Alvin Alcorn who was a devoted employee musician at Commander's Palace for many years..Ms Ella paid a beautiful tribute to our father on his passing in 2003.
Posted by: Luticha Alcorn Perkins - River Ridge, LA
Jun 01, 2018
We are sorry for your loss, and send our condolences to you.
Ella has influenced the lives of many people in a positive way. Although we might never know the full impact her life has on others, her mentoring skills and talent for teaching and coaching will continue, as will her legacy.
We ask to God comfort your saddened hearts.
Posted by: A friend
May 31, 2018
Wishing peace and comfort to all mourning the loss of this talented woman. I didn't know Ella Brennan,but I'm sure grateful she made creole cooking more popular. Hospitality is a noble trait. It requires selflessness and a desire to please another, for his benefit, to build him up. (Romans 15:2) Ella exhibited this quality to an exceptional degree. A true gift. Hebrews 13:2 tells us not to forget hospitality, for through it some unknowingly entertained angels. Maybe in Ella's case, some were entertained by an angel. In a world sorely lacking in these kindnesses, perhaps we can best honor her by imitating the generous spirit she showed.
Posted by: cindy - MD
May 31, 2018
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Ms. Ella. Truly a part of New Orleans history that will be missed by all. Family please know that her contributions to the restaurant industry of New Orleans made it what it isWhat a legacy to have and for others to follow. May God bring peace and comfort to family as you transverse through the days,weeks and months ahead
Posted by: C S - LA
May 31, 2018
