Carol Jean (Henderson) Brungard

Dearest daughter of the late William and Mary Joan Van Brunt Henderson; beloved mother of Edward G. “Spike” Brungard IV; dear sister of Katherine (Sidney, M.D.) Machefsky, Julie (John) Steinhauser, James (Jane) Henderson, and the late Susan Henderson; dear friend and former spouse to Edward “Eddie” Brungard III; our dear aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend to many.

Carol had a lifelong love for the outdoors and for all things four legged, whether furry and fuzzy or covered in spines and scales. Throughout her life, she was the caretaker for some very spoiled dogs and overfed cats, an iguana that refused to be touched by any one besides her, and a hedgehog whose cuteness was only surpassed by its smell. She kept a snapping turtle she was gifted for Mother’s Day named Cotton (I wish Cotton was a monkey) for over 20 years and when she moved out of St. Louis to a place with a few acres a rag tag group of goats and chickens who wintered in an old cabin on the property. Most of all she loved horses, which she rode for as long as she was physically able, earning her the nickname “Bronco” in her childhood, and gave her a lifetime of fulfillment in being able to pass that joy along to younger generations.

Carol loved floating and fishing the rivers and exploring the mountains of the Ozarks and Colorado, spending many a summer in Lesterville, at Lost Trail or Johnson’s Shut-In’s, and many a Thanksgiving with her beloved family in the Rockies. Carol loved to ski and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the Rocky Mountains, but most of all enjoyed spotting Marmots darting around the boulder dotted country side, her favorites. She loved music and dancing and was always happy to have a birthday the day after Jerry Garcia because it meant she would be able to celebrate with the Grateful Dead.

Carol worked for many years as a server in St. Louis, with impressive tenures at Culpepper’s and O’Connell’s Pub. In the restaurant industry she was able to do what she was best at: spreading kindness, joy, and good cheer. She truly was one of the kindest souls you could ever hope to meet, always sharing smiles and laughter, “Aunt Carrot” will be deeply missed by both friends and family. “Fare the well, I love you more than words can tell”

Services: A Celebration of Life for Carol is planned for Friday evening August 2, 2024, beginning at 5:30 pm at the home of Bob and Mary Jo Freeman in Webster Groves. Check with either Spike or Eddie Brungard for directions if needed.

Memorials to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International appreciated www.gorillafund.org .