Marilyn "Mardi" Brega, 86, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at Grace Episcopal Church in Columbus, with The Reverend Jan With officiating. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery following the service.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 29 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws, or Grace Episcopal Church.

Marilyn "Mardi" Brega was born February 2, 1938, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Harlen and Marian (Cross) Discoe.  She was educated at Alda, Nebraska, Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, Central Community College in Columbus, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Mardi was united in marriage to Robert Brega on August 6, 1959, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Grand Island, Nebraska.  They both lived and taught in Giltner, Nebraska, before moving to Columbus in 1960.  Mardi was a stay-at-home mom until her children were in school.  She then began working at the Columbus Library where she retired after 27 years.  She did substitute teaching at St. Isidore School as well as the library, Columbus Public Schools and Immanuel Lutheran School, besides working part-time at HyVee.

Her children and grandchildren were always a high priority for Mardi.  She loved being involved with their activities.  She was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church, enjoyed reading,  belonged to Topaz Book Club, Tea Bag Extension Club, and Knots and Prayers Quilting group.

Mardi is survived by:
Son – Robert (Kelly) Brega of Glen Lyon, PA
Grandchildren - Misty Brega, Kaylea (Noah Kriner) Brega with Clayton and Brayden
Son – Brandon (Jill) Brega of Holly Springs, NC
Grandchildren – Grace, Ellie, and Rhett Brega
Daughter – Nancy (Tom) Blocker of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren – Greg (Katie Lehman) Hermsen, Spencer (Emily) Hermsen with Desmond, and Savanna (Hunter Winkler) Blocker
Daughter – Amy (Scott) Coe of Hastings, NE
Grandchildren – Josh and Jared Coe

Mardi was preceded in death by:
Parents – Harlen and Marian Discoe
Husband – Robert Brega
Son – John Brega