Joe's Farewell

It's hard to believe that it has been over a year since Carol left us.  It has been a very tough year in many ways but thanks to a wonderful family and many friends the burden has been eased.

I am so thankful that the family is not only close by but also close-knit. 
Yes – thank you all - Jeanne, Carol, Gerry, Anne, Cathy, Paul, Peter, Joseph, Alyssa, Daniel, Meghan, Paulie, Zachary, Emily, George, Betty and the Jersey Cousins. 

And thanks to the “Bridge Girls”, the “Bible Study Group”, the Pocono Gang, the Aquabelles, St. Andrew Avellino Rosary Society and parishioners, Broadway-Flushing neighbors, former neighbors from St. Mary's; Queens College classmates – Peggy RIP and Vic, Frank and Janet, Marilyn and Ray and especially Sigma Delta Chi, Phi Omega Alpha and the Newman Club; Bishop McDonnell alumnae, Sisters of Saint Joseph, Manhattan College, St. John's, Holy Cross, The Mary Louis Academy, St. Frances Prep. Fordham Prep., Continental Can Company Veterans, Broadview Networks, JBLP, Penn-Plax USA and Europe, RBS; and business colleagues HFG, Ace Rental, and Keil Brothers plus so many friends from all over the country.

Thanks to all who packed Fogarty's. Thanks to all those who went to St. Mary's Cemetery.   I remember hearing about the long line of cars waiting to make a turn – and a lady who came out of her house to ask one of the drivers, “Is this a celebrity funeral?”   

Looking back, I can only say: Yes, Carol was indeed a celebrity. A well-loved celebrity who will always be missed.

Special thanks for all the flowers, mass offerings, and donations to The Sisters of St. Joseph and The Brostek Scholarship Fund at Queens College.

As many will recall Carol was not only meticulous in sending greeting cards
but she also had a wonderful habit of sharing articles, humorous pieces and special prayers with family and friends.  My desk frequently had such items with Post It notes saying: “Can you please make Xerox copies of this for me?” 

I recently found this prayer folded in a drawer in Carol's night table.

“To Those Left Behind”

When I am gone, release me, and let me go. 
  I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears.
  Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you all my love.
 You cannot guess how much you gave me in return.
I thank you for the love that you have shown.
  But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me if you must.
  Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for awhile that we must part.
  So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away as life goes on.
  So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.
  If you listen with your heart you will hear 
my love around you – soft and clear.

Then when you must come this way alone,
  I'll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.”


What a beautiful way to close this book…….

I will always love you Sweetheart. 
 Thanks for giving me such a wonderful family.

These messages were originally sent in November 2012 and are shared here for posterity. 



Message by QC Friend Helene Guidice

My sincere condolence goes out to you at this very sad news. I know how close you and Carol were. Please know that you and Carol are in my prayers.

 Helene Guidice, Queens College 


Message by Neighbor Janet McCresh 

Dear Joe, I'm very sorry to hear about Carol's passing. She was such a lovely person, always had a beautiful smile and something nice to say. My prayers are with you and your family. With my deepest sympathies, Janet  


Message from Parishioners Bill and Sonia Mohr

 Oh Joe, We are both hugging you now. Our prayers are for the family--see you soon--Bill & Sonia  


Message by Tom and Mary-Lynn Bird

 Dear Joe, Mary-Lynne and I send you our deepest sympathy and love. It was always a happy occasion when Carol was present. She was a beautiful, precious lady. We will miss her. She and you will have a special place in our prayers.
Warmly, Mary-Lynne and Tom  


Message from Godson Paul

 Uncle Joe, I am very sorry. I am praying for Aunt Carol and all of you. Love Paul  


Message from Elaine and Jim O'Donnell 

Dear Joe. We are so sad to hear of the passing of your dear wife Carol. I have been praying for her every day, and now I will pray for you and your family to find peace and healing. God Bless you all, Elaine & Jim O'D


Message from Cousin Bill Shibilski 

Oh Joe, I'm so sorry. How sad. My prayers go to you and your family. Cousin Bill  


Message by Joann Acquista

 at QC I am very sorry to hear about Carol's passing. May your many happy memories be a comfort to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Joann Acquista, Queens College


Message from Colleague Bette Weidman

 Dear Joe, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to you. As one who knows the experience of a long marriage, I know this is especially difficult. The good side is the irreplaceable lifetime of memories. Heartfelt sympathy- Bette


Message by Allan Beyda

 Carol was a very beautiful person. Indeed she was a real lady.

My best to you and your lovely family. Allan Beyda


Message from Sean Mohammadi 

Few events in life are as painful as the loss of your spouse. It is overwhelming and it will not be easily forgotten. After all, how do you forget your "Queen?" Carol was the person who shared so much of your life and created an absolutely wonderful family. I am sure that she would want you to try your hardest to enjoy the holidays with your family and remember the many beautiful memories you shared together. Your friend, Sean Mohammadi


Message by Fellow-Retiree Sandy Witt

Dear Joe, My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Carol was a very lovely lady with a beautiful heart and spirit. Please know that I am thinking of you all. Much love, Sandy Witt, Queens College Retirees  

to Mrs. Brosssssssstek, that's right, that's how I used to call her, I gave her the biggest greeting and biggest hello, I want to say..merry Christmas to you, mrs.brooosetk, every year when I decorate my house for Christmas, I look at the beautiful things u have given me, they go in a special place in my house,and I know you are there with us.and yes im still wearing my heals. miss u so.

Dear Mrs. Brostek,
How lucky I was to have had your loving and joyful presence in my life.  I think back with smiles and deep gratitude on the many laughs we shared (especially with Annie, Maye and Paula), your kindness (it had no bounds), your words of wisdom (always right on), your warm hospitality (singing sometimes required), the many special events and get-togethers shared with you and your beautiful family (thank you for always including me) and the incredible friend you gave me (Annie, love you).  Thank you, Mrs. Brostek, for the many blessings you brought into my life. 

All my love, always,


Dear Mrs. Brostek, We will always remember your kind words and caring nature for all of us.  When Cathy married Gerry little did we know that we too would inherit another loving family.  Thank you for always being interested in our children as they grew up as well as the everyday happenings in our lives.  You are missed and will always be missed.  We know though that you are living happily in heaven, watching out for your family and all the extended families that were lucky to have known you. Love, Richie, Jean, Elizabeth and Kevin

Dear Grandma, today I graduated as you know because I felt you watching me and I know you are proud and at peace in heaven and that you always help relay my messages to god when I pray. I miss you very much but it only feels like you are gone in the physical form because I always feel your presence. Thank you for making me so happy my whole life I loved to see you and spend time with you and now I can go back to those memories and appreciate them. Thank you for all the sweetish meatballs and special orders. Thank you most of all for teaching me what I now know is the most powerful tool in the world...a smile. All you wanted from me was a smile and you would give me anything in the world, well now I know its you thats making me smile all the time I love you Grandma rest in peace until we meet again.

Carol you lived life to the fullest, never hesitating to help those in need. You brought joy to the family and many friends with your happy laugh, wit and boundless energy. May you continue to inspire and share the light within you that you shared so abundantly with all those who knew you. Carol you are dearly missed. We find comfort knowing that you are watching over all of us. 
Love, 

Mom, My first six months without you have felt longer than the entire life I spent with you. I miss you - every day and every night. In your memory, I try to live each day with the same gratitude, patience and compassion that you embodied; but honestly, I don't even come close.  The reality of waking up tomorrow, on Mother's Day, without you is overwhelming. I pray for "signs" of you, to comfort my soul and to feel your spirit. I thought it would be fitting to end this with a line from a song that's very special to me .... That is, simply: "Nothing compares to you." 
Happy Mother's Day with love, 

Memories.....I have so many wonderful ones of Mrs. B. I don't remember life before her. My first peanut butter and jelly sandwich, my first tuna sandwich, Lake George with Aunt Pat, so many giggles, being part of the family, many hot days spent swimming, a house always warm, welcoming and decorted beautifully, our "talks", crafting, holiday sing alongs, too many others to list. I will always carry in my heart the warm, funny, intelligent, very logical, loving woman you were.

I really miss Carol and the way she had of making life better for everyone. The Easter Season must have been very difficult for the entire family. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. However I am sure these were glorious days of celebration for Carol. I wonder how she "fixed heaven up" ? I'm sure she had a few good ideas to share.
Love and prayers.
Sister Wilda Asfour
April 8, 2013

Well I certainly lucked out when Gerry took me into his home and shared his family with me. 

"Mrs. B." or "Momstek" was simply "the best." She was kind and giving, had a great sense of humor, was intelligent and classy, but also so "down to Earth" and fun to be with. Watching her run the house with five kids (and all the many hangers-on, myself included), I marveled at how all that activity never phased her. Whenever she did become annoyed with us, Gerry and I would just badger her with jokes, and she always came around quickly, laughing and matching us with her own jokes. As I became older, it was amazing that with all she had to do, she continued to find time for me. She was one of a kind, and words cannot adequately capture her spirit. 

Wonderful memories of Mrs. B. had an influence on the course of my life. I loved her and will never forget her. 

Love to all of you!

Mom, thank-you for the gifts of life, love, and faith. Your memory will endure in our hearts forever.

You always had faith in us, encouraged us, supported us. Loved us. Laughed and cried with us. 

Nothing is the same without you, but its not bad. Not better but not bad, as we all learn to appreciate each other just that much more, now that you are gone.

Your impact, presence and memory will be with us always

Feb.17, 2013

Dear Carol,
     We've known each otherr since 1952.  We've shared being president of Sigma Delta Chi, jobes one summer at G.E. Credit Corp, dances
and beer parties. We even married guys from the same fraternity--P.O.A.
      The memories are so many. You and Joe drove 500 miles straight south from Kansas and made a right turn to Sherman, Texas to celebrate the New Year with us.  We  laughed that we were now married had to be home at 12:30 on New Years Eve-- (a baby sitting problem).
     We enjoyed trips like White Lake and Fire Island together.
There were all the good times:  shopping for your dress for Jeannie's wedding, going to lunch on Long Beach, talking about our children and later our grandchildren.
     Ray always said you were one of the few people who "understood him".
     We shared the happy and sad events of our lives. I'LL MISS YOU

My memories of Carol extend back to when we were undergraduates at Queens College and fellow members of the Newman Club there. And while I certainly saw her frequently I can't recall ever having spoken to her. Despite our never having had any such contact, she made an enormous impression on me, one that I can never forget. Her mere presence always seemed special--I'm sure to all but particularly to me, that altogether too-shy music major who wouldn't have known what to say to her that could possibly have interested her. If I feel such a sense of loss now that she's is gone, I can't imagine how devastating her passing has affected Joe, that “Lucky Joe” who obviously did know what to say to her those many years ago. If there are times when words are futile, this is unquestionably one of them.



Many thanks to the friends and family members who have made donations to the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Carol's memory. The Josephites were always one of her favorite charities. May God continue to bless their wonderful work.
Joe

Carol, remember those college years...important years in our lives... We sang together,  talked and laughed....danced on the stage together in our mothers' dresses...skied for the first time and fell down ....laughed....socialized, shared friends, talked and laughed some more.  We met our life partners at that time and kept in touch with each other for close to sixty years.  You'll always remain in my fondest memories.  I'll miss you.

I know Mrs. Brostek ("Mrs. B.") through her daughter, Jeannie.

I met Jeannie Brostek Altenau Freshman year in The Mary Louis Academy over 40 years ago. Along with two other friends (Maureen Johnston & Jeanne Smith) we have maintained a close friendship all this time. In the past few years, despite challenges that include busy schedules, international travel, living in different cities, and raising children to become self-sufficient adults, the four of us have managed to get together, in person, once a month. 

I include this information only to illuminate the fact that I don't use the word "friend" lightly when I speak of Jeannie, and to explain why, over these past 40 years, there have been numerous instances when I have had the privilege to see and speak with Mrs. Brostek, on occasions both happy and sad.

While Mrs. Brostek is gone, I can honestly say that the qualities that she possessed: the kindness; the caring; the worrying about making sure that everyone felt comfortable; the love for her family; the strength through adversity and tragedy; the humor and grace with which she met all that life handed her; and the deep abiding faith which imbued her life, still live on in her daughter, my friend, Jeannie.

My grandma always believed in me. And no matter how hard life got, she believed in me, and she believed in all of us, and it is something I will cherish forever.
I will also be forever grateful for her dry sense of humor, always cracking silent jokes, sometimes only between the two of us. This was one of my favorite qualities she had, as she passed this humor along to me, making my life happier every day and thinking of her always and forever in my heart.

Our moms, Aunt Glad and Aunt Anne, aways believed in keeping family close, during the late 40's we cousins would be swapped for a week at a time in the summer, the Molnar group going to Flushing and the Heiser group traveling all the way to , heaven forbid, Trenton NJ. That bonding has continued through the years between the Molnar and Brostek clans and, although the visits slowed down as our kids and then grandkids came along, we still managed an occasional backyard get together and we would marvel at the changes in the youngsters over the years.  They were fun times. We miss all our family who have passed away and hope that they are all united in heaven.  Rest in peace Carol, knowing you did a fantastic job in raising your family.  (Joe helped too.) 

 Grandparents are special members of the family.  They get to spoil you and treat you well then send you home to your parents to get disciplined.  For Grandma this is half true, as she always spoiled us when we came to her house.  She always knew what our favorite things were and would have them ready.  For me, the special thing she always had was a box of UTZ pretzel rods, which I could always take home with me and continue to enjoy.  

 However, grandma didn't just spoil us, she taught us so much.  There were the small things like using proper English.  I still think of her every time I start a sentence with, “mom and me,” or a friend says something similar.  She also taught us more important things like what it means to give back with all the volunteering she did, and the many ways she helped all our families.  

 Finally, she was so supportive of all of her grandchildren and loved to track all of our many endeavors.  One thing that I will always remember is how she made the trip up to Worcester this spring to watch me run in one of my last collegiate races.  I will always cherish having her there to cheer me on.  

 I have too many great memories to list here, but will always love talking to family and friends about her.  I will never lose those memories and, in that way, she will always be a part of all of us.  I love you and miss you grandma.

Joe --  Bad news indeed about Carol.  But I remember what a wise oldster
once told me  "Happy Marriages make for Happy Memories that warm you
for the rest of your life"
<br 

Carol and I worked in a 2 guy, 2 gal office at Continental Can Co. which is how we met.  Teased her for the next 57 years how I could not understand how a college graduate could not learn how to change a ribbon in the typewriter and had to rely on me to do it for her.  John and I had the pleasure of being invited to vacation with them on their honeymoon and believe it was the funest vacation we ever had.  She was a treasured friend to me and I'll always love her.

It was a honor and privilege to have Carol these many years as a patient. She always came into our offices with a smile and a kind word for all of us and shared with us the happy and sad events in her life. We will miss her and pray Joe and her family will find comfort in their memories of her. Rest in the arms of the Lord, Carol.                                    

Dear Joe and your beautiful family,
 
Oh how Carol loved you all.  She was the best wife, mother and grandmother.
But I want to share my Best Friend with you.  She was a very special lady. She 
was kind, thoughtful and so smart. She could "predict" things.  
I would laughingly say: "You are a witch - but a good witch."
   We went to the Poconos and  to Vermont and hit every craft barn we could 
find.  She loved to shop - especially for shoes.
   We laughed and cried together. We talked and talked.  We prayed together.
We loved each other.   I thank God for the privilege of having your beautiful wife Carol in my life.
   You are all in our prayers.  We will always be here for you.  God bless you.
Love and hugs.


I recently read this verse and thought about the beauty and resilence of Mr. and Mrs. Brostek's relationship and the love and connectedness of the whole family.  

I wish you not a path devoid of clouds,
Nor a life on a bed of roses,
not that you might never need regret, nor that you should
never feel pain. No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is:
That you might be brave in times of trial, when others lay
crosses upon your shoulders.
When mountains must be climbed and chasms are to be
crossed; when hope scarce can shine through.
That every gift God gave you might grow along with you.
And let you give the gift of joy to all who care for you.
That you may always have a friend who is worth that
name. Whom you can trust, and who helps you in times of
sadness. Who will defy the storms of daily life at your side.
One more wish I have for you:
That in every hour of joy and pain you may feel God close
to you.
This is my wish for you, and for all who care for you.
This is my hope for you, now and forever.

With love,

Carol,you have been my special friend for so long it seems like I don't remember when you weren't in my life.  You welcomed me at QC when I was a lonely freshman and never left; from college coeds to grandmas, that's a lot of really good time.  You will always be in our hearts.

“Your mother is your best counsel”  I heard those words from a priest when Daniel was being confirmed, and I have never forgotten them.  Mom – you were always my best counsel, whether my questions were concerning the family, decorating the house, raising the boys, cooking a meal, or recovering from an illness.  (We all remember bending over a pot of steaming water to clear up a stuffy nose!)

No matter how busy you were, you always made time for us – especially the grandchildren - attending birthday parties, dance recitals, Eagle Scout ceremonies, graduations, and the “Blue and Gold” extravaganza in your gorgeous gold outfit from head to toe.

You always were a role model for us as you truly lived your faith in caring for those less fortunate, teaching Bible class, and participating at Mass each week.  It is that same faith which helps me to acknowledge that you are in a better place, reunited with Dolores – I hope you are talking about all the crafts you made for Joe, Dan and me over the years!

Our family will never be the same, but we are all so much better because we had you in our lives.  We will always love you.   Love, 

Starting in the 1950s and for more than 60 years Carol (along with Joe) have been among Peggy and my closest friends.   I have fond memories of our relationship and like all close friends some memories are  interspersed with an occasional sad memory.  Surviving the sad ones makes the relationships much stronger.    It has been the numerous laughs and silliness that sealed our friendship.  Carol, all who passed your path will miss you. 
 
I trust that Carol has met Peggy in that place we know of as heaven, the place that they both deserve.   Heaven is a reward and as a happy place surely must endorse the practice of laughs and silliness.    Enjoy ladies.  Remember the White Castle hamburgers.    We ( Joe and I ) love you both.   

We, the Bridge group of which Carol was a vital member, are mourning the loss of our delightful and entertaining member.  She would contemplate a play. sigh deeply, take a bit of thinking time, then announce she was rolling right along. Her hospitality and seasonal art were memorable as was her warmth and kindness to us all.  Never did we have a cross word at our games and much was due to her cheerfulness and the knowledge that we were all family even for the moment.  Truly she was and is our Ace of Hearts. 

I honestly cannot think of another extended family that is as close as ours is. This is a direct tribute to Grandma, and the universal love she gave to everyone, that spurred us to love the same way. The wonderful family gatherings that we are so accustomed to are a gift that she created for us, that we cherish, and will continue to have and celebrate for years to come.
 
Grandma has left an indelible mark on all of us, due to her extreme kindness and generosity. She will never be forgotten, and we will be reunited with her again one day, in Heaven.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection....The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation." "
-Psalm 91

God protected Grandma for a long time, granted her a long life, and she has received his salvation. She has now been granted eternal rest beneath the wings of His never ending love. We love you Grandma.

Many thanks to Penn Plax in the USA and Europe for your visits to Carol's wake and expressions of support.


Thank you Continental Can Company Veterans Club for your kind condolences.
Carol greatly enjoyed her time working at Continental and her visits with Club veterans.


 Carol, the Bible group met on Monday for the first time since you left us.
We prayed for your family,and I knew
you were there. You have left a hole in my heart.    

A hot meal each holiday, complete with a festive house, overly festive hosts and a family to fill it.  This is what I look forward to every year, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It wasn't until college that I realized how fortunate I was to be able to call the Brostek house home for holidays, random nights during the week, weekends in the summer or whenever I wanted to make a trip to see Grandma and Poppo.  
It was during these trips that a special bond was formed with my Grandma, in the craft room making something new, listening to what had happened yesterday on her ‘stories' or just swimming around in the pool and enjoying a beautiful summer day while the planes would fly overhead.  It is also where most of my English lessons were perfected, I did some ‘good' at their house (vacuuming the pool) but when I was there I was always doing ‘well' myself.
It was on the trips that we all took together that we as a family bonded most.  Going to Cooperstown, Woodloch Pines and the Turks and Caicos brought us all closer together; Grandma taught us what it meant to be a family.  By telling my brother not to “take the bait” when I would tease him or any one of the other sayings she had, she made us all remember what is most important: family.
Being so close to someone makes losing them even harder, but it also means that the time we had together was so valuable and I'm comforted in knowing I always cherished it.  Grandma, I will love and miss you forever.

My mom was always smiling. If she wasn't, you knew you must have done something really wrong. I miss that smile. I miss having my grammar corrected. although my family will report that I am keeping up your legacy very well in that respect. 
 When I pull into a parking lot to shop, I hear your voice telling me to pray to Mother Boniface, the patron saint of parking spots. It always worked even though you probably made that up just to get a prayer out of me. Now I just ask you for a spot. 
I miss our Dress Barn shopping days. And our Park Lane jewelry appointments. Even though daddy never stopped saying that you didnt need any more clothes or another piece of jewelry. what do men know anyway? 
I miss everything about you. Thank you for teaching me Canasta when I was young. I taught zack a few years back and the kid beats me every time. Without laying down. Thank you for writing me letters when I was young and headstrong.I found one recently and it was comforting to see your handwriting. I do the same with my kids. Thank you for teaching me the importance of family. I dont know how I never quite picked up the home cooking thing but I think it skipped a generation ad now Alyssa has it. We do need your stuffing recipe though. Thats being made next thanksgiving no matter what. 
I dont know how I'm going to get through Christmas. Maybe you can give me an inspiration somehow. This has turned into a very long message, but daddy wanted everyone to sign the book so now he got more than he bargained for I guess. I love you mom I hope you are enjoying yourself in heaven. Send my love to everyone in the family. Love, 

My Grandma is someone I have always admired. In the midst of my crazy, loud family, Grandma brought sanity to the holidays. It is tough being without her but I am so lucky to have had her for the first 18 years of my life. I have never seen a love between husband and wife like my grandparents. I can only hope I will find someone to make me as happy as my Grandma did for my Poppo. I love you always Gram
Love, 

Our family is so blessed to have had every moment we had with my Grandma. My Nanny said she was just 'a truly perfect lady' and I really believe it's true. She and Poppo raised an amazing family who in turn raised grandchildren who will live on the good name. I always told stories growing up of the family gatherings we would have, and no other family had the same stories. We were truly fortunate. I am sure I will continue to learn things about my Grandmother (didn't know she loved Whiskey, and I enjoy a good Jameson and ginger myself), and will continue to grow as a result of her impact on my life. Things won't be the same without her, but I am sure in time comes peace and she would want us to continue doing the things that would make her proud. The Lord was gracious to give her to us and though he has taken her back, I will carry her hand on my heart forever. 

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.

And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

The world lost a wonderful woman, one I did not get the honor to know enough.  However, she will live on through the memories and hearts of the beautiful, wonderful family she built, and that I have grown to know and love these past few years.  They are her legacy and proof that her love will never die. Rest in peace Mrs. Brostek your family is in my thoughts and prayers and you will never be forgotten.

The Brostek family expresses appreciation to the neighbors from the Broadway-Flushing Homeowners Assn. who attended Carol's farewell services.She was an active member who enjoyed and participated in the meetings. She also played a great role in the preparation of the Association's 30th Anniversary TV show.

In 1950 Carol and I met in the Newman Club at Queens College. Many of our best friends over the years were people we met at QC. We were always proud of our alma mater.  It was heartwarming to see so many QC friends and former colleagues at Carol's services.  Thank you all.
                                                                                    Joe

Special thanks to the brothers of QC's Phi Omega Alpha for their visits and messages of condolence.
                                                                           The Brostek Family

The Brostek family thanks the many members of the St. Andrew Avellino Rosary Society for their wonderful support and prayers.

Dear Brostek family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I will always remember her as a VIP member of the "Girls" group; meeting regularly to share advice, support and laughter through the years. Bernice, Patsy, MaryAnn, Kathy, and Rita will miss their dear friend. Bernice liked to quote Carol often, as she was regarded as one of the brightest "Girls" who always had so much wisdom. With Sympathy,
Trish Lynch (O'Neill)

Dear Carol, Betty and I will miss the Marina and Fort Totten strolls, Saturday night meals, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings with the family.
We will always cherish these times. Love, 
PS - I got a haircut for you.

To Mrs. Brostek,

The friendship between the Brostek and Canfield families has been valued throughout the years.  The friendship between you
and our mother has been truly treasured.

God bless you,



God Bless you Mrs. Brostek, heaven just accepted another Angel!  May you rest in peace. All of love and prayers to the entire Family.   

With Love,
     

Carol, 

Your Smile brought joy to all those around you. Your smile brightened up our day. Your smile brought along sunshine many sunny days. Your smile brought comfort to those in sorrow. Your smile brought hope to those in despair. Your smile brought happiness to those in distress.

Your leaving your family and friends saddens us. However sad we are, we will celebrate your life with a smile because we have all been warmed by your smile!



G.B., I'm sorry to hear about your mother.

To the Brostek Family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will continue to keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. B...will never forget all the years spent at your home growing up. Be at peace. Love always Barb

Joe and Carol Brostek were always such good friends to the School of Music, losing a member of their family means we have lost a member of ours. 
I send my personal prayers and condolences and those of the whole Music faculty. 
Edward Smaldone, Director, Aaron Copland School of Music

Mrs. Brostek, you have a very special place in my heart,we shared many many stories about my long nails and my high heels..always remember kathy burns.and my first meeting of your friend..my very long nails..may you rest in peace mrs.brostek..

We'll never forget you, Mrs. B.  You were an incredible woman who gave so much.  Sleep with the angels now. We love you!
Claire, Dave, Dan & Chris

OBITUARY

Mrs Carol Elizabeth Heiser Brostek

November 16, 1932 – November 9, 2012

Quinn - Fogarty Funeral Home

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