Mary Ann Brake

It is with sorrow that we announce that our beloved Mary passed away on January 8, 2023, while peacefully surrounded by the loving support staff at her home at Life Unlimited, Liberty, MO. Mary was born on May 5, 1955, as she often proudly proclaimed “five, five, fifty-five!”, in Kansas City, Missouri, the only daughter of Douglas E. and Ruth E. Brake, with whom she is now re-united. She was predeceased by brothers Jon Brake, Lake Tapawingo, MO, Paul Brake, Olathe, KS, and Michael Brake, Cassville, WI, and is survived by brothers and sisters-in-laws Peter and Jill Brake, Mt. Pleasant, MO., Tim and Julie Brake, Fairway, KS. and Chris and Denise Brake, Sartell, MN., and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mary was a resident at Immacolata Manor, now Life Unlimited, for most of her life and enjoyed her many friends and caregiver’s company there. She was known for her infectious smile and laugh, she loved taco nights, Dr. Pepper, bowling, music, and dancing when she could, writing in her journal and watching CSI or I Love Lucy reruns. She brightened many lives during her years, and despite her limitations and difficulty communicating she always managed to make her feelings clear, especially when saying her favorite phrases “I like you” or “Cut that out!”. She was admired for her determination and ability to overcome impediments. Mary had a strong work ethic and was a dedicated and valued employee at Vocational Services, Inc. in Liberty for 37 years and enjoyed her work, the staff, and her co-workers there exceedingly, to the point that she was often disappointed and a bit grouchy when days off came.

Mary’s family wishes to thank the many people and organizations who provided loving care and support to her over the years: the direct support staff and administrators of Life Unlimited who loved and treated her as family, nurtured her and gave her the support she needed, everyone at VSI who provided meaning to her days and allowed her to have the satisfaction of work in her life, the care team at Liberty Hospital 6-South who provided loving care during her illness, and the therapists at Life Care Center in Grandview for working to aid in her to return home for her final days, and the compassionate caregivers at Crossroads Hospice.

Contributions in memory of Mary are welcome at Life Unlimited 320 Armor Rd. North Kansas City 64116, https://www.lifeunlimitedinc.org/ or Vocational Services, Inc. 935 Kent St. Liberty, MO 64068 http://www.vsiserve.org/ or a charity of donor’s choice. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date to be determined, and the family has chosen cremation with remains to the interred, also later, in the family plot at St. Charles Cemetery in Cassville, WI.