Ellen Agnes Brake
March 25, 1917 ~ February 15, 2021
On Feb 15, 2021, at 103 years old, Ellen Agnes (Barton) Brake was invited by her youngest of 5 daughters, Betsy, to join her in Heaven. Betsy even canceled a bowling tournament with the Holy Rollers so she could personally guide her mom to Paradise. Mrs. Brake began her earthly life on March 25, 1917, as the daughter of two Irish immigrants. Her father, Dennis Barton, was a Kerry Man and her mother, Nora (Whitstead) Barton, was a Galway Gal. She drew her first breath in a second floor bedroom of the family home, which her father had built, at 1007 N Prairie Street in Frankfort, Indiana. After graduating high school, she was most fortunate to go off to college at Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although she spent only her freshman year at MSJ, which was the only year of Catholic schooling she had, that one year made a lasting impression on her and how she practiced her Catholic faith throughout her life. Additionally, she treasured the lifelong friends she made there and even sent four of her daughters off to MSJ.
In 1939, she graduated Purdue University with a degree in Home economics. The irony here is her description of a perfect house was one that had no kitchen. She met Bill Brake at a Senior CYO function. They were married in 1942 and together they raised seven children: Mary Ann (Bob) Plagge, Meg (Pete) Kerber, Dennis (Kathy) Brake, Nora Eileen Brake, Cathy (Joe) Trotta and Patrick J. (Pam) Brake. Her daughter, Betsy, her grandson, Brendan and her husband of 60 years, predeceased her. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.
Visitation will be at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4217 Central Ave, on Monday Feb 22, 2021, from 9:00 am to 9:45 am. Please adhere to all current COVID-19 safety guidelines. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 am in the Church. The Mass will be live-streamed by visiting www.sjoa.org. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St Joan of Arc Parish, where Mrs. Brake was a parishioner for the past 73 years. The family plans to host a Celebration of Mom’s Life when weather and COVID-19 will cooperate. Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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We will miss you Nanny! I have so many wonderful memories especially since I am the oldest grandchild. The younger cousins will never know my fear when you were crying real tears because you were laughing so hard at the Apple Dumpling Gang movie. I always enjoyed out family dinners (ham and au gratin potatoes) even though I never got to move up to the adult table. I also appreciate you trusting me to be one of the few that got to go into the attic (usually to pick a book or play with Betsy’s dollhouse on the first landing). I am so happy that you were able to meet your 2 GREAT-GREAT Grandchildren. Please give Papa and Betsy big hugs from us all! Love, Lisa
Dear Agnes Brake Family. I first met your Mother in September 1954 when my husband and I moved to Indianapolis. I sent Sr. Mary Lea a letter with my new address and I got a phone call from Cornelia Chrapla inviting me to come to a Mount Club meeting and your Mother was there, I graduated from the Mount in 1949. I spent many wonderful evenings with your Mother and the other members of the Mount Club, Cornelia Chrapla, Allie Lou Clifford, Kathy Kane, Ann Welch and many others. The last time I saw your Mother was after a Mass at St. Matthews when Dennis brought her, We had a nice visit. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to her family. She was a delightful peerson, a real “Mountie” and someone to be cherished as a friend. Helen Wilson
Thinking of the Brake family at this time. Love Peg Martin
Thinking of you and your family. We are sorry for the loss of such a legacy in your family. Kind thoughts and sincere prayers.
To Eileen Brake — I don’t know if you’ll remember me, but I lived there on Ruckle and we used to play together when we were young. My older sister Sally was friends with your older sisters, too. I remember your mom fondly from those years, and was sorry to hear of her passing. Hope you are doing well. Linda (Turk) Paulson
To Meg and family: I’m sorry for your loss Meg, but what a terrific life your mom had. I remember meeting her on a few occasions and always thought she was a lovely lady! She took great care of her family and yet was involved in so many things that so many others benefitted from knowing her! Ironic that your grandparents were from Ireland, as my father in law too was a Kerry man and my mother in law was a Tipperary Gal! What wonderful folks they were! Meg, we had lots of good times during our years at CYO Camp, and met lots of super people along the way, some I still see today! Stay well and safe and I will say Some prayers for all your family on the day of your mother’s funeral! With Love ❤️ Jan Beck OBrien
I am so sorry for your loss! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Heartfelt condolences to all of the Brakes. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Brake who always took time to sit and have a chatty conversation, express loving interest and show kindness to her children’s friends. I am one of those. Valerie Klaiber Burgess
We love you, Nanny! Thank you for all the great grandmotherly hugs and snuggles. We loved every bit of time we spent with Nanny! She was always so cheerful and happy; always able to guess what grades the children were in and what they might be learning. She laughed at Thomas’s antics and spoke gently to Ellie. Somehow knowing just exactly who they both were. Bridget, our curious one, asked Nanny so many questions and her answers were so fascinating! She had so much pride in her family, especially her father! She loved everyone around her so much. However I think they all loved her more! She was so obviously adored by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! Our kids refer to her as “Legendary Nanny” 103! We know that she will be dearly missed but always, always remembered. And her legend lives on. xo The Kerbers: Kevin, Bonnie, Ellie, Thomas, and Bridget