BROOKE MCGRATH

McGRATH--Brooke Tivol When I flew to NYC the morning you died to bring you back to Kansas City, I was shell-shocked. We wrote your obituary for the Kansas City Star, but neglected to submit it to the NY Times. I've always felt I cheated you of this Brooke, because you were a true New York girl. Two years late, this is for you. On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 we unexpectedly lost our precious Brooke to a virulent bacterial infection. Her departure has left us shocked and with a feeling of profound despair. After graduating from The Pembroke Hill School in 2001, where she excelled in French, music, and athletics, she attended Emory University, where she graduated with honors and a degree in French and psychology. Spirited, passionate and independent, Brooke knew she wanted the Big Apple, so it was off to NYC for her. After her first job in the jewelry industry at Fabrikant, she sought to further her education and moved to Antwerp for 4 months to learn the diamond trade. Brooke returned to New York and found her dream job at Carelle as the director of strategic merchandising and product development. In so many ways, Brooke was the glue that held the family together. She reached out to siblings and friends with kindness and love. Never far from her camera, she loved to document her life. Now, we're all so grateful for that. Brooke was the organizer at work and at home. If you needed Kleenex or Tylenol, she was your girl. Her exquisite beauty is not just outward, but much more importantly, comes from within. Whether dressed in jeans or black tie, her innate sense of style shone through. Brooke was a dedicated and loyal friend, loved by many and cherished by all. We were each blessed to spend time on this earth with her, and we will forever be shaped by her beauty, grace, and humor. Brooke was our daughter, our sister, our friend and our confidante. She leaves a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. Brooke is survived by her parents, Tom McGrath and Cathy and Mark Maslan, siblings Derek Tivol McGrath and daughter Lydia, Danielle Marie Maslan, Hunter Tivol McGrath and wife Gloria, and Andrew Ellis Maslan, along with loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. A contribution may be made to the Brooke Tivol McGrath Legacy Fund Jewish Community Foundation 5801 W. 115th St. #104 Overland Park, Kansas 66211.