Kathryn J Brake

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Kathryn J. Brake. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Kathryn was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Kathryn was born in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Joseph and Patricia Simmer. Kathryn was raised in Dearborn, Michigan. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Kathryn was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Kathryn's personality throughout her life.

      Though Kathryn was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Kathryn was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Kathryn worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Kathryn was raised with four brothers, Bill, Jim, Tom, David and one sister, Virginia. Kathryn and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Kathryn was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Kathryn was always tactful. One thing Kathryn will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Kathryn had a number of interests and was an active child. In her spare time she liked to read and listen to music Kathryn's memorable achievements included.

      For Kathryn, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Kathryn was also adept at details. Kathryn was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from St. Alphonsus High School in 1959. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Some of her accomplishments while in school were singing harmony and collecting stamps.

      College can be a challenge, but Kathryn appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Kathryn had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Kathryn enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She graduated with a BA in Home Economics from Mary Grove College in Detroit, Michigan. Her favorite courses were Home Economics. She l oved Greenfield Village (now called Henry Ford).

      There was one thing that all of Kathryn's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Kathryn was such a popular person throughout her life. But Kathryn was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Kathryn was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Kathryn was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Kathryn was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Kathryn was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Kathryn made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, she became friends with Betty Hasenfratz, Marion Bertin, Kathy Bertin.

      Kathryn was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Kathryn cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On May 12, 1984 Kathryn married Walter Lee Brake at Fort Worth Water Gardens in Fort Worth, Texas. Compassionate and devoted, Kathryn worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Kathryn and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Kathryn was blessed with three children from her first marriage, two sons, Greg and Sean and one daughter, Erin. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Andrew, Abby, and Josh. Kathryn was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Kathryn was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Kathryn would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Kathryn, and she expected the same from those around her. Kathryn was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Kathryn was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Kathryn handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her career included working as a legal secretay and administrative assistant in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad law department. She was employed for 5 years as a 2nd grade teacher; a realtor; and a secretary at Cantey Hanger Law Firm. She was employed for 12 years with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in their law department. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Kathryn enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. She loved reading, bird watching, crocheting chemo caps, cooking, watching tv, and listening to music.

      Kathryn was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Kathryn was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included tennis, table tennis, and golf. Kathryn also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Kathryn well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for about 10 years and attended Keller United Methodist Church from 2012 to June 2016. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      A generous and compassionate woman, Kathryn accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Kathryn was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included rating high on the employee evaluation at BNSF.

      Not only did Kathryn enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included teips to St. Kitts, San Antonio, and a lakehouse in East Texas.

      Since it was easy for Kathryn to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Kathryn was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2006. She had lived in Keller, Texas since 1986. In retirement she found enjoyment in having fun with her grandkids, crocheting, playing guitar, singing, cooking, and attending church. Even in retirement, Kathryn stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Kathryn passed away on October 9, 2016 at Silver Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care Center in Colleyville, Texas from dementia. Jackie is survived by her husband of thrity-two years, Dr. Walter Brake; two sons, Greg Bertin, and Sean Bertin; daughter, Erin Bailey; two step-sons, Todd Brake and Scott Brake; step-daughter, Lynn LaLuzerne; sister, Virginia Finger; three brothers, Dr. Jim Simmer, Dr. Tom Simmer, and David Simmer. She had ten beautiful grandchildren, Andrew Bertin, Abby Bertin, Josh Bertin, Cooper Brake, Jackson Brake, Chelsea Hamaker, Maty Hamaker, Seylor Hamaker, Austin Brake and Bailey Brake. Services were held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home Memorial Chapel in Colleyville, Texas. Kathryn was laid to rest in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas.

      Kathryn was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Kathryn was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Kathryn J. Brake.

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Kathryn J. Brake, (better known as Jackie) passed away on Sunday, October 9th, at 3:40 pm. She had been living in Silver Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care Center for the past four months. She was the daughter of Joseph and Patricia Simmer of Dearborn Michigan and was the oldest of six children. She graduated from Mary Grove College in Detroit, Michigan. After moving to Ft. Worth, Texas in 1982, she was employed by Cantey Hanger Law Firm and subsequently by the law department at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad where her grand affection for trains grew. Jackie retired from BNSF after fourteen years. Jackie enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, spending time with family, cooking and crocheting and was a stellar charades player. She is most remembered as being inventively creative, loving to laugh and even more making others laugh. She adored kids and enjoyed every minute she could with her ten grandchildren--making up treasure hunts, going on bear hunts and singing around the campfire. She is preceded in death by her father and mother and younger brother, Bill Simmer. Jackie is survived by her husband of thrity-two years, Dr. Walter Brake; two sons, Greg Bertin, and Sean Bertin; daughter, Erin Bailey; two step-sons, Todd Brake and Scott Brake; step-daughter, Lynn LaLuzerne; sister, Virginia Finger; three brothers, Dr. Jim Simmer, Dr. Tom Simmer, and David Simmer. She had ten beautiful grandchildren, Andrew Bertin, Abby Bertin, Josh Bertin, Cooper Brake, Jackson Brake, Chelsea Hamaker, Maty Hamaker, Seylor Hamaker, Austin Brake and Bailey Brake. The service to celebrate Jackie's life will be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home in Colleyville on October 14, 2016 at 10:00 am.