Kathy McBroom

Kathy (Toner) McBroom, age 79, of New Prague, died peacefully from glioblastoma at Our Lady of Peace Hospice House in St. Paul on Nov. 26th. She was preceded in death by her parents, William & Kathryn Toner, and siblings, Mary (infant), Jim, Bern, Pat, and Julie.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ron, of 56 years and children Mary (Mark) Kroeger, Joe (Jill) McBroom, John (Véronique) McBroom, Jim McBroom and Julie (Dave) Miriovsky, 16 grandchildren: Matt, Danny, Megan and Molly Kroeger, Jack, Dan, Tom, Annie and Marty McBroom, Sophie and Simon McBroom, Lauren, Kate, Ellen, Will and Maggie Miriovsky and 1 great grandchild—George Kroeger, siblings Sheila Exner, Reen (Tim) Singleton, Peg (Harry) Riehm.

Kathy was born in St. Paul on November 10, 1945. She attended St. Cecilia’s grade school and graduated high school from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1963. She contemplated a religious vocation, entering the convent at St. Kate’s when she was 18 years old. She discerned that God had a different plan for her and left before making any vows but remained active in numerous ministries of the church and community her entire life. She worked at Deluxe Check Printers and Univac, where she caught the eye of Ron McBroom. They were married on August 10, 1968, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in St. Paul. They moved to New Prague in May of 1971, where they raised their five children. In addition to helping Ron with his insurance business, she enjoyed working at Maxi-Jane’s clothing store for six years.

Kathy was very pro-life and worked at the MCCL booth at the State Fair for over 20 years. She loved every child she ever met, and treated all her kids’ friends as family, as well as all the countless kids she did daycare for over the years. She was a Peace Center volunteer during its early years, was part of the Queen of Peace Hospital Auxiliary, served on the St. Wenceslaus School Board and was part of the St. Wenceslaus Council of Catholic Women (CCW). She was very active at their current parish, St. Patrick’s, where she was part of the CCW, a Eucharistic Minister, rosary leader, and she and Ron were involved with marriage preparation for engaged couples, as well as festival ticket sales.

She embodied strength, courage, grace, perseverance, love, patience, faith, and joy (fruits of the spirit) every day, but especially when faced with her seven-month hospital stay and cancer diagnosis. She had one of the most beautiful souls—possessing an inner peace that surpassed all understanding.

She will be remembered for her love of God, family and friends, her beautiful smile, her great hugs, joyful laugh, and faith-filled, gentle spirit. She touched many lives with her faith, kindness, patience, generosity and of course, gift of hospitality. Whenever anyone came to their house, they never left hungry! She was quick to laugh, eager to help and always thankful for her many blessings.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 2nd at 10 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Michael Miller officiating and Fathers, Eugene Theisen, Joseph Gifford, and Nate Meyers concelebrating and Deacon Mickey Redfearn also on the altar. Visitation will take place Sunday from 4-7 PM and Monday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org and the Rosary will be prayed at church at 9:30 Monday morning. Burial will occur at St. Patrick Cemetery in rural Jordan, followed by lunch at the KC Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Wenceslaus School, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, or Sharing and Caring Hands.