In Memory of Carol Brosa

Carol Joanne Cook Brosa (born May 20, 1933) passed peacefully in her sleep in Olathe, KS on September 8, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, including her cherished daughters. She was the young age of 93.

She is survived by her sister, Anita; her two daughters, Cynthia Irvine (Edward) and Melinda Rittgers (Alan); and her five grandchildren, David (Emily), Edward, Kaitlin, George Skyler, and Austin. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Julius Albert Brosa; her brother, Gayle Cook; and her parents Murlin Lewis Cook and Orpha Phyllis Cunningham Cook.

Carol was an advocate for women’s education and a proud member of the American Association of University Women. In 1955, she was one of only a handful of women who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Baker University. While at university, she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity.

After graduation, Carol held several accounting jobs, including as a corporate secretary for Savings Bond and Mortgage in Topeka, KS. Carol used her earnings to invest in a house and a beautiful wardrobe of suits and dresses. Carol always dressed smart and would often advise her granddaughter that you only need lipstick to complete an outfit.

As a lover of education, Carol was a Girl Scout leader and ran an investments club with Julius. Upon her retirement, Carol attended many educational programs on a diverse range of topics, from history to music to travel. She picked up tai chi later in life and took weekly lessons for over a decade. She would often say, “we’re always learning,” a value she instilled in her children and grandchildren.

Carol had many hobbies, including gardening and listening to music. She also loved to travel and went on many trips across America with Julius. On their honeymoon in July 1958, they travelled to Colorado and New Mexico. They settled in the latter for the first few years of their marriage. Throughout her life, Carol lived in Las Cruces, NM; Arlington, VA; Falls Church, VA; Overland Park, KS; Topeka, KS; and Olathe, KS. She was born in Baldwin City, KS in 1933.

After “retirement” from accounting, Carol ran a short-horn cattle farm with Julius. She was also an active community member and held many volunteer positions throughout her life. Carol was a member of Topeka First United Methodist Church.

Carol was a role model to many and will be remembered not only for her kindness and love of learning, but also her love of a good milkshake or apple pie (particularly Bobo’s apple pie, which she enjoyed on her first date with Julius).

Carol’s visitation will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 15315 W. 151st St, Olathe, KS 66062, at 9am on Saturday, September 19, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 10am. A graveside service will be held on the same day at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604, at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Aberdeen Village Education Fund, which helps fund education for nursing assistants at the continuing care retirement community that took care of Carol with love, dedication and kindness in the final years of her life. Donations can be made via check to the Aberdeen Village Education Fund, 17500 W. 119th St, Olathe, KS 66061.