Cover photo for Fannie Renna's Obituary
1924 Fannie 2021

Fannie Renna

December 26, 1924 — March 21, 2021

Mankato, MN

Fannie Beatrice (Bea) (Mason) Renna

Blessed with 96 years of life, died March 21 2021in Mankato MN where she had lived with her family for the past 8 years.

She was born to Elijah and Goldie (Johnston) Mason on Dec. 26, 1924 in Waldron. Arkansas.  She grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas. After high school she moved to CA where she met Richard (Dick) Renna in 1946. He proposed on their first date and they were married in San Francisco before returning to Dick’s home in St Louis MO. Bea and Dick were members of at Sts. John and James Catholic Church, Ferguson 1954-2000; St Clement of Rome Parish, Des Peres  2000-2013.

Her husband was a lifelong performing musician and bandleader in St. Louis; as a member of the St. Louis Musicians Association, he served as board member, treasurer and then as president for 22 years.

Bea’s own interest in music and community service began at the age of 16 when she was a charter member of GIRLS – USO, which served the Army IRTC Band at Camp Wolters in her home town of Mineral Wells TX.

She had a great interest in and love of music and the arts and, with Dick, enjoyed all the opportunities that St. Louis offers.

As a licensed cosmetologist, Bea was the first licensed esthetician in the state of Missouri and as a cosmetician, cosmetologist, makeup artist and business owner, she worked in the film and modeling industry for over 50 years.  Her expertise and experience were generously shared with colleagues, clients and many charitable organizations and causes.

She was a natural at public relations, fund-raising and organizing volunteers.  Her leadership, talents and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the success of every endeavor with which she was involved.

Because of her concerns for the welfare of children, she was an Active member of Variety Women and St. Louis Variety – the Children’s Charity for over 50 years, serving as an officer, board member and liaison to Cardinal Glennon Hospital for Children.  Her energy and enthusiasm contributed to the success of fund-raising special events such as the Variety Telethon, fashion shows and dinner dances.

Bea had a great interest in and worked for issues concerning women. She was a founding member of the Gateway Chapter of OWL – the Voice of Midlife and Older Women.  Her leadership helped advance benefits for women as she worked for health care legislation at the state and national levels.

During her membership with OWL, she served 2 terms as President, was membership chairperson. Four of OWL’S major service programs were initiated during her leadership terms:  the Pension Benefits Project, the Midlife Divorce Support Group, the Elder Abuse Victim Support Program and the Women of Worth Awards Dinner.

She served on the Boards of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and of the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Chapel Association; was a member of the St. Louis Symphony Association, the St. Louis Jazz Club and St.Louis Ambassadors.

Her family, friends, colleagues and the volunteer organizations she served will greatly feel the loss of her warm and generous spirit, her cheerful and youthful approach to life, her willingness to share her talents and wisdom with grace and style.

Survivors include: Son, Paul (Renee) Renna, Defiance MO and granddaughter Stesha.

Daughter, Jolee (Tom) Tacheny, Mankato MN.

Grandson, Steven (Jennifer) Tacheny, St. Paul MN and great-grandchildren, Delvin, Mason and Nora.

Grandson, David Tacheny, Burbank CA and great-grandsons, Samuel and William.

Grandson, Kevin(Alethia) Tacheny, Blowing Rock NC and great-granddaughter, Grace.

Daughter, Ricki (David) Steele, Toluca Lake CA.

Step-grandsons, Alan (Bonnie) Steele and Tim (Jaime) Steele and step-great-grandchildren. Jeremy, Adrian, Elena and Daria.

Preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, husband Dick Renna and great-grandson Ethan Tacheny.

Mrs. Renna has generously bequeathed her body to the University of MN Medical Schools and Hospitals, Minneapolis MN.

Services: Memorial Mass will be Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 1510 Boppe Road, Des Peres, MO 63131.
(Live Stream Mass Link www.stclementcatholicchurch.org) Private burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to –

St. Louis Variety – the Children’s Charity

Arrangements by John L. Ziegenhein & Sons, Lemay Ferry

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Fannie Renna, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Mass

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church

1510 Bopp Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Private Interment

John L. Ziegenhein and Sons Funeral Homes - South City Chapel

MO

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 27

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree