Carol Ann Brakeall, age 81, of Shawnee, KS, passed away on July 6, 2024. Carol was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on April 19, 1943, the daughter of Edward Switalski and Bette Hartlage.
Carol was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, KS, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister to the sick and home-bound. She retired from the E.P.A. as the Information Systems Manager for Region 7, Kansas City, KS, concluding 32 years of federal service.
Carol graduated from Shawnee High School, Springfield, OH, in 1961. She married Norman Brakeall on November 24, 1962, in St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springfield, OH. She leaves behind her loving husband of 61 years, Norman Brakeall of Shawnee, KS; daughters Mary Beth (Matt) Brunner of Grain Valley, MO, and Patricia (Shane) Voyles of Blue Springs, MO; son Mark (Debora) Brakeall of Oswego, IL; grandchildren Logan and Zachary Brunner, Brandon, Sean, and Colin Brakeall, Lauren (Garrison) Fields, Julia, and Caralyn Voyles; and great-grandson Kayden Fields.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brothers, Tom, Jerry, and Danny Switalski.
Carol was a vibrant and active individual who never knew the meaning of "downtime." She cherished spending time with her family and was passionate about painting and creating crafts, which she sold at various craft shows throughout the Kansas City area. Her "Crafts by Carol" gained a dedicated following. She immensely enjoyed her Wednesday evening paint class, where she developed lasting friendships with her fellow painters.
Carol was a devoted fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. She rarely missed a game and her enthusiastic spirit and unwavering support for her teams brought joy and camaraderie to her family and friends.
Carol was deeply committed to the Daughters of the American Revolution, holding various positions in the James Ross chapter of Shawnee, KS, such as Membership Committee Chairperson, Welcoming Committee member, and Historian. Additionally, she played an active role in Naturalization Ceremonies, Wreaths Across America, and Flag Day Ceremonies. She also chaired the America 250 initiative, preparing for the United States' 250th anniversary celebration.
Carol will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 15 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shawnee, KS from 5 – 7 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS following the Mass.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Daughters of the American Revolution, James Ross Chapter’s America 250 Fund. Please send a check in Carol’s honor (please, no cash) to “James Ross Chapter” and mail to 5916 Long Ave., Shawnee, KS 66216.