Kathleen ‘Kay’ Brossmer

Kathleen “Kay” Brossmer, née O’Connor, 94, of Mercer, formerly of Chicago and Chicago Heights Ill., passed away February 22, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

She was the beloved wife of the late Deacon Norbert Brossmer (Diocese of Superior), devoted mother of the late Kathy Brossmer (Robert ‘Batch’ Baczynski) of New Richmond; Gerald ‘Jerry’ Brossmer, Crete, Ill.; Nadine Brossmer Davis, Hubertus; and Robert Davis, Mercer. Loving grandmother of Adam Davis (Rebecca Davis) of Preston, Mo.; Allison Baczynski, State College, Pa.; Kendal Davis, Chicago; and Evan Baczynski of River Falls. Great-grandmother of Isaac and Liam Davis. Kay was the daughter of the late Ann and Gerald O’Connor and dear sister of the late Sister Anastasia O’Connor, IBVM, and Geraldine Boyle (Jim) and Elmer Schiefer. She was a fond aunt to Denise Boyle Love (Jim Love) of Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.; Jim Boyle (Nancy Boyle) of West Lynn, Ore.; and Paty Boyle Barnett (Dave Barnett) of Arlington Heights, Ill. She is survived by other relatives and dear friends. 

Kay grew up Irish-Catholic on the South Side of Chicago and went on to graduate college with her degree in education from St. Francis in Joliet, Ill. Kay was constant in her commitment to Catholic education and taught at St. Louis Academy, Loretto Woodlawn, Loretto Englewood, and Maria High School during the 50s and early 60s and at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Ill., from 1967-1991. Kay loved teaching English, specifically British Literature. She was involved in many co-curriculars, one of her favorites being drama club. She enjoyed life-long friendships with many Marian faculty and was delighted when her past students found her on Facebook.

Kay married Norbert in August of 1956. They made a life for their family in Chicago Heights, Ill., where she was an active member of St. Kieran Parish and served on St. Kieran’s school board. Kay and her family spent summer vacations in Mercer. In 1998, Kay and Norb moved to Mercer permanently when Norb was ordained a Deacon. She always enjoyed visits from family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kay was known to be a fiercely competitive canoer in the early days of the annual Echo Lake Olympic games and quite the annual Loon Day party hostess! Kay humbly and lovingly fulfilled many roles in her life — passionate educator, honorary “Deaconess” in support of Norbert, and protective “Guardian” to her family — all while pursuing her beautiful creative gifts. Our matriarch, our ‘Queen’ will reign on forever in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 9, beginning with visitation at 10 a.m. and Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Isaac Jogues, Mercer, celebrated by Fr. Maria Joseph Kodiganti. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the following organizations would be appreciated: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, WI Chapter, 17100 Blue Mound Rd #101, Brookfield, WI 53005 or The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Office of Development P.O. Box 508, Wheaton, IL 60187.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Kay’s legacy of life. To make an online condolence or for more information, visit www.McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.