Joan Phyllis Brickner

Joan Phyllis Brickner, age 84, was called to her Eternal Home on March 8th, 2025. “Joann” was born in Northeast Kansas City, MO in 1940. Her given name was Joan. But, Joan was known by many other beloved names. Her family called her “Joann”. Her nieces and nephews called her “Auntie”. Her Arizona family called her “Mama Lasagna” or “My Little Rigatoni”, and “my little Mashugana”. The name Joann treasured most was “Mom”. She loved being Mom to Lori and Vincent. She was also proud to be the “Mom” for 20 years to her very spoiled dog, Gabby!

In her early years, Joann, worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City, MO. It was a fitting job as she was meticulous and excellent with numbers. Joann was one of few people who balanced her check book to the penny throughout her entire life. She passed this skill on to her children and taught them to be frugal, how to persevere, to appreciate the gifts God gave them, be honest, have integrity, be on time, and be respectful. Along with being determined, Joann, was smart, pragmatic, and funny. Joann was also a wonderful cook. She made the BEST potato salad! She was also an excellent driver and taught Lori how to drive a stick shift on her infamous Volkswagen Bug!

During Lori and Vince’s childhoods, she transitioned to being a single Mom. Her determination, along with her devotion to her kids, showed us perseverence. She sacrificed everything in order to provide for Lori and Vince. She often went without eating in order to afford groceries. In 1979, the Lord called Joann to minister and care for Vincent when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Joann selflessly cared for Vincent for 16 years until he went to his Eternal Home. Joann would tell you that it was the grace of God that allowed her to provide for her children and care for Vincent during his illness.

Joann was the best cheerleader for Lori when she ran track in high school and college. She could be heard yelling “C’mon baby! C’mon baby!” from the bleachers during Lori’s races. At the time, Lori would tell you that this was embarrassing. But, hearing your mom cheer for you is actually the best gift! She would often put a Bible verse in Lori’s track bag before a meet, reminding her to keep her eyes fixed on Jesus.

In 1990, at the age of 50, Joann demonstrated courage by getting her GED so she could be trained as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was the top student in her class, and worked as a CNA for adults with disabilities for 15 years. Her work ethic was unmatched.

After retiring in 2005, she spent time with her nephews, nieces, and friends, which she loved. She would look forward to family gatherings where she get to eat and laugh with those she loved most. She would tell each of her nephews “You’re my favorite nephew!” Each of them will tell you that he KNOWS that he is her favorite!

Joann also taught a women’s Bible Study in her neighborhood and joined Bible Study Fellowship. In 2011, she moved to Arizona to be with Lori, loving the warm weather. She became a dedicated member of a Ladies Ministry at a local church. Joann loved spending time with those ladies making cookies and attending slumber parties!

She LOVED “her” Kansas City Chiefs. When they won the Super Bowl in the 1969-1970 season, she took Lori and Vincent to the airport to welcome the team home. A memory Lori still treasures. After the Chiefs won the Super Bowl 50 years later, Joann said, “Okay, I can die now!” Along with the love of football, Joann loved “Marvel” movies. She had a mad crush on Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). She watched that movie dozens of times! Joann also loved scary movies, popcorn, peanut M&Ms, Italian cookies, and McDonald’s Frappes.

What Joann loved the most was her family. She loved being a Mom, Sister, and Aunt. She diligently prayed for her family daily and wanted them all to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Before Joann went to be with Jesus, she opened her eyes and said, "Jesus is alive and well and HE is living in my heart! I am SO happy!" Joann endured many difficult trials throughout her life. Now she is able to rest with her Lord, having received the crown of life. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Joann is preceded in death by her valiant son, Vincent Paul Brickner. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Lori Ann Brickner, her sister, Phyllis Brogoto and her brother, Michael Brogoto. Joann is also survived by her five favorite nephews, Joseph Brogoto, Danny Calvert, Rodney (Lisa) Calvert, Michael (Michelle) Brogoto, and John Haggard, as well as, her great-nieces and nephews, aka, her “angels” and “babies”.