Ellen Agnes Brake

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.