Char Brazil

Helen Charlene “Char” Brazil, 84, passed away on May 20, 2025, surrounded by her family at Homestead of Topeka.

Born on May 25, 1940, in Parsons, Kansas, Char was the daughter of William Edward and Margaret (Casey) O’Bryan. She graduated from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Char’s teaching career began in middle school at Riverview Gardens School District near St. Louis. In 1965, she married attorney J. Patrick “Pat” Brazil at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul, Kansas. They moved to Pratt, Kansas, in 1965, where Char worked as a substitute teacher for a couple of years.

In 1968, they relocated to Eureka, Kansas, where Char became a dedicated homemaker and community volunteer while raising their three children. During her time in Eureka, she served as the Secretary for the Eureka Chamber of Commerce.

In 1986, Char and Pat moved to Topeka, where Pat was appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals. Later, Pat was elevated to the position of Chief Judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals. While in Topeka, Char worked for 10 years as the Volunteer and Program Director for the American Cancer Society. During her tenure, she initiated the Race Against Breast Cancer, a program that funds mammograms for underserved women. This initiative has been highly successful and continues to make a positive impact today.

In 2010, Char was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This diagnosis brought about significant changes in her life, when she became familiar with specialty physicians and other professionals who supported her throughout her journey. During this challenging time, Char was surrounded by unwavering support from her friends and family, and she received numerous blessings from God.

Char and Pat most recently relocated to a maintenance-free community in Topeka, where they have wonderful friends and neighbors.

Char found joy in various activities, including reading, walking, exercising, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and participating in cooking clubs. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the Topeka Public Library, the Discovery Shop, and taught CCD classes at church.

Char was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, P.E.O. Chapter DB, and cherished her book clubs.

Char is survived by her husband, Pat Brazil; her daughter, Michelle and husband Jay Brown; her son, Joseph “Jody” Brazil and his wife Jennifer; five grandchildren: Benjamin Patrick Brown, Patrick Robert Brazil, Matthew Frederick Brown, Anna Kathleen Brazil, and Jonathan Henry Brazil; and her sisters, Winnie McGannon, Grace Power, and MaryAlice Dugan, and brother, Miles O’Bryan. Char was preceded in death by a daughter Erin Kathleen Brazil on January 2, 1989, and by her siblings; William Rodman O’Bryan, Margaret Mary O’Bryan, Ruth Thayer, John Casey O’Bryan, William “Bill” Edward O’Bryan and Kathleen Ann Keisner.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday, May 23rd, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. During the visitation, a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24th, at 9:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. Private inurnment will be held at a later date in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

The Memorial Mass will be recorded and posted to Char's obituary following the service.

Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, Topeka Public Library, or Christ the King Catholic Church. Please send them in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home at 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

She received wonderful care while at Homestead of Topeka and the family would like to thank the great staff for all their care and compassion.

Online condolences and fond memories can be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.