Katharine Brunskill Blakely Obituary

Brunskill Blakely
Katharine Maud (Muller) Brunskill Blakely
September 27, 1941 - January 26, 2018
Katharine Maud Muller Brunskill Blakely made her transformation on January 26, 2018.
She is survived by her son, John Brunskill and his wife Jill, and son Andrew Braumann, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her loving stepchildren and their children (and grandchildren); Greg Blakely and Chelle Eastman, and sons Paul and Alan Blakely; Leslie and Sy Gilliland, and daughters Kasha (Oakley, Parker, Liam, Mathis) and Lindsey (Kade, Krew); Kate Blakely and daughter Mattie Stubbe. She also leaves behind two sisters; Susan Morris (John) of East Corinth, Vermont; and Mardy Nelson Harrold (Tom) of Boulder, Colorado; and a brother, Mark Muller (Emalea Miller) of Lawrence, Kansas. Nieces and nephews abound, and also their children: Andy Morris (Mary Moore) with Gibson and Samuel; Rebekah Morris; Hannah Morris; Jacob Schroeder (Rachel) with Tate, Quinn, and Lily Kate; the Rev. Mary Kate Rejouis with twins John and Elizabeth; Jesse Nelson; Grant Muller (Danielle) with Charlie Von; Cameron Muller; Andy Jenkins (Liz) with Finn and Cole; and Allison Muller (Nathan Teachout, engaged).
Loved ones preceding Katharine in departure were many, and begin with her wife and partner of 27 years, Donna Blakely. They enjoyed a long and loving relationship together in Colorado Springs. Katharine was born on September 27, 1941 to the Rev. Frederick B. Muller and Mary Delano Muller in Mandan, North Dakota, but grew up in Fremont, Nebraska, the eldest of 5 siblings. Both parents and a brother, John Frederick Muller, preceded her into eternity.
Katharine generously poured her energy into a career as a teacher, with the majority of those years dedicated to first graders. She was loved by her students and their families and remained close to many of them. She played the baritone ukulele and sang to all her pupils, with a great repertoire of songs and hymns that she will be remembered for. In retirement, she and Donna were able to travel to England, Ireland and Alaska together, among other places, and their lives with one another were enriched with the community of Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. As an avid reader and researcher, Katharine was a student of theology, and also made great strides delving deep into and recording the genealogy of her family.
After Donna's death in early 2015, Kath ("Kate," to many of her friends in Colorado) downsized from their home into an apartment in the Springs. Having discussed it with Donna as something they might do together in retirement, she began to investigate opportunities for service with L'Arche International, an organization committed to community congregate living for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. After many conversations and much discernment, she was accepted into the Heartland chapter of L'Arche in Overland Park, Kansas. Relocating there, she spent the last 9 months of her life living with and caring for her new and very special family of core members and assistants among five houses in Overland Park, living herself in "Harmony House," a name she thought so appropriate. This put her very close geographically to her brother Mark, and she spent much of her weekend time, when away from her responsibilities at Harmony House, with him and Emalea at their home.
Katharine touched many lives during her own, was a mentor to all her siblings, and her legacy is one of peace, compassion, and simplicity.
The Rite of Burial and Holy Eucharist will take place on Saturday, May 5 at 1pm at Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. Katharine's ashes will be placed in the memorial garden with Donna's at this time. A reception will follow. Bring your ukulele.
In thanksgiving, for all the gifts that were given to her in and by the L'Arche community, she requested donations to L'Arche Heartland, in lieu of flowers or other memorials. Please visit www.larcheks.org/donate, or send checks payable to L'Arche Heartland to PO Box 40493, Overland Park, KS 66204. Credit card donations may also be made by phone by calling (913) 341-2265 and asking for Thomas.

Published by The Gazette on Apr. 22, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Our Kate was a funny, wry and irreverent (in the completely reverential meaning of the word) friend. We met many years ago when we worked at Grace and St. Stephens. Since then, she and Donna sat at our tea table many afternoons, and after Donna died, we had tea thinking of Donna. Now we think of Kate, with great love, as we sip tea, eat scones and laugh.

Susan Garsoe

April 29, 2018

What an honor Kate and Donna brought to our church. Sorry I did not know you better, but so happy that I served on the vestry when you and Donna were united in God's love. Rest in loving peace.

Denise

April 23, 2018

Kate was an inspiration to all who knew her. She helped you want to be a better person and be more like her. Kate helped me be a better teacher. She was always there for her friends and provided wisdom and comfort. Her humor made the world a happier place.You will be deeply missed dear Kate. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed that wisdom and comfort.

Jeri

April 22, 2018

Our friendship was just a few years, but we had many, many wonderful conversations over tea and biscuits. It was blessing to visit her in Boulder and talk and sing a Broadway show tune or two (yes we did!) while she was still able to do this. God bless you. Katharine.

Joan Ray

April 22, 2018

She was a dear friend! Greatly missed!!!

William Page

April 22, 2018

Kate & Donna were a gift to all who knew them. So wonderful that there 27-year partnership, long blessed by God, could also be blessed by the church shortly before Donna's passing, the first by Grace & St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Reunited at last - blessings & love, Bill

Bill Oliver

April 22, 2018

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