Shirley Bruno

Shirley Ann Bruno, 90, of Topeka KS passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Shirley always celebrated May Day by delivering May baskets to her grandchildren, making this day even more special to her family. Shirley was born January 1, 1935, in Emporia KS to Albert and Nina Watson Kowalski. She was the first baby of the new year, showering her family with special gifts and recognition. Her sister, Alice Kay, followed five years later on Valentine’s Day. Shirley loved being a big sister to Kay and would help curl her hair and dote on her. Shirley graduated from Emporia High School and attended Kansas State University where she met the love of her life, Louis “Lou” Bruno. They were married at Sacred Heart Church, Emporia, on June 18, 1955, and from that point on she was always referred to lovingly by Lou as “my bride.” He preceded her in death on March 6, 2020. Shirley’s life was grounded in faith and family and she cherished her role as wife and mother to Therese, Melinda, Marcia and Tom. She stayed home with her children until they were in school when she went to work for the Kansas Department on Aging. Shirley had a passion for serving the elderly community and her work took her around the state she loved until she retired in 1997. In retirement she had much fun in both service to the community (Eucharistic Minister at church, volunteering for elections & the annual showhouse) and in play (bridge clubs, margarita lunches {after exercise class, of course!}, excursions with grandkids, and fun-filled family trips to Jackson Hole, Grand Lake and more). Shirley adored her grandchildren, and their activities filled the calendar (along with church and bridge clubs!). She found great joy in cooking and baking – she was an amazing cook. Always an early riser (and coffee lover!) when grandchildren spent the night, a spread of pancakes and bacon would await them in the morning. There was nothing Shirley loved more than a house full of family, and summers were filled with pool parties and cookouts, often followed by a relaxing gin and tonic on the porch. Shirley is survived by her children, who are grateful to have called her mom, Therese Mosiman (Todd), Melinda Stanley (Doug), Marcia Soetaert (Allan) and Tom Bruno (Shawna); grandchildren, Taylor Roholt (Christopher), Rylie Ferrill-Ducasse (Richard), Summer Stanley-Dorning (Ethan), Ethan Stanley, Blake Bruno, Olivia Bruno, Ava Bruno, Lindsay McDonald (James) and Jarod Mosiman (Tressia); great-grandchildren, Remi Roholt, Sunny Ducasse, Mariah and John McDonald, Carmella, Vincent and Alexa Mosiman; her dearly loved sister Kay Meredith, Oakland Mi; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Shirley’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at McCrite Plaza and Midland Hospice for the loving way they cared for their beloved mother. Rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614, where visitation will follow until 11 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Research Center or KTWU and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. In honor of Shirley, shuffle up your playing cards!

Shirley Bruno

January 1, 1935 - May 1, 2025