Mary Brodie

Mary Van Nortwick was given the gift of life on December 25, 1945 in Topeka, Kan. She was the second daughter of A.G. and Margaret Oliver Van Nortwick. Her sister Jean (Van Nortwick) Copeland says that Mary was the best Christmas present ever!

Mary graduated from Wichita Southeast High School and the Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kan., with a degree in elementary education. Mary worked for West Wichita Family Physicians for 28 years and volunteered with Operation School Bell of the Assistance League as well as Victory in the Valley.

Mary enjoyed traveling, gardening, being a Caregiver at Aldersgate UMC, sending cards to cheer and encourage folks, reading fiction, participating in the Shawl Sisters group, and was active in the Faith Meets Life Sunday school class. Mary was very proud to be a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women. Her life goals were to model and encourage joy and hope. Despite her cancer diagnosis, she continued to seek ways to pursue both of these virtues.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie, and her parents, A.G. and Margaret Van Nortwick.

Her family today includes her son John (Lynsey) of Girard, Kan., sister Jean (BJ) Copeland, nephew Gary (Debra) Copeland, nieces Mary Jane Copeland and Christy (Brian) Jernigan, great nephews Tyler and William Copeland and Jake Jernigan, all of North Carolina.

Mary had many friends made at her church and beyond. Despite the many adversities she faced, Mary was known for her sweet disposition and kind consideration. She will long be remembered as a woman of courageous faith and a champion of joy and hope wherever she went. May God bless our memory of Mary Brodie and may she forever rejoice in the company of the God who gave her birth.

Memorials have been established with Good Shepherd Hospice, Victory in the Valley, and the youth and children's ministries of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.