Ainsley A. Brajkovic

Ainsley Alaine Brajkovic, 27 of Kansas City, Kansas passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2025. Ainsley was born on January 16, 1998, to George Brajkovic & Dawn (McKee) Brooks and spent most of her life in Piper, Kansas, living for a short time in Riverside, MO.From the moment she took her first breath, she was the spitfire that George and Dawn didn’t know they needed in their lives. There was never a doubt in their eyes that Ainsley was anything but a strong woman who was writing her own story. Ainsley was beautiful, with a gentle soul (even though she occasionally liked to put on a tough outer shell), a fierce spirit, a loving heart, sparkling eyes, the best freckles, wit that only bright minds possess, and a belly laugh that could bring joy into any moment. She loved all whom she loved fiercely - primarily dogs, but also her family and friends. She loved being Mallory’s big sister, one half of a dynamic duo. These two could fight with each other like tigers, but the surest way to end it was for a parent to correct just one of them because Hell hath no fire like a sister, who turns her anger at her sibling into the righteous fury of protection. She loved being a younger sister too, and though

she could feel annoyed by all the wisdom her older brother Keaton provided, Ainsleyknew she was safe with him. Did we mention that she loved dogs? She was an amazing big sister to her brothers Tate, Brady, and Max. When Taylor andMallory’s fiancée Sam joined the sibling group, there was no “bonus”, only sisters. The love for her brothers and sisters was not less than her love for Mallory, but like their Grandma Louise always told them “Sisters are Forever.” And forever started the moment Mallory was born. In the often-difficult navigation of blended families, Ainsley gained bonus parents who loved her wholly, protected her, and supported her - a strong little girl with a gentle heart (and maybe, just maybe, a hint of sassy). Andy and Brandy gained a big-hearted, strong-willed, dog-loving daughter, with a chapter already written. Ainsley gained two additional parents who loved her as unconditionally as George and Dawn. Ainsley was blessed with an abundance of grandparents who all should have won “Grandparent of the Year”. Whether it was Grandpa George standing in the school

hallway waiting with a beaming smile after school; Ainsley driving Mallory in the Barbie Jeep to Grandpa George and Grandma Louise’s house only to return with a trunk full of cookies; Christmas tradition of baking cookies and watching movies at Grandma Nancy’s; dancing to Barbara Ann with Sandy; or spending time in Linda’s sewing room, Ainsley lived a life with loving grandparents, who she loved right back. Grandma Louise was a special angel in Ainsley’s life, as they spent many years as roommates. Grandma Louise is looking forward to the day she can see Ainsley again and inform her that they are earthly roommates for eternity at Gate of Heaven in Grandpa George’s “fourplex”. Louise’s giggle will be epic, as will Ainsley’s eye roll. Courage doesn’t always roar. Although Ainsley could roar with the best of them, mostly with laughter, her strength and courage were in the quieter moments of fighting through addiction. If love alone could have saved her, she would have been free years ago. Mallory and her fiancée Sam recently opened their home to Ainsley and provided a safe space for her to grow in her sobriety and health, both mentally and physically. Thanks to Mallory and Sam’s devotion, belief in Ainsley, and Ainsley’s ferocious courage and

hard work, her family was blessed with several months of connection, joy, laughter, and quiet confidence that let Ainsley see a future she wanted. The program Pawsperity provided the support and tools that turned her dream into spending every day with dogs a reality. She was preceded in death by her brother Tate Brajkovic, paternal grandfather, George “Big George” Brajkovic, Donnie Brooks and Ted Nichols. All will be waiting, hearts heavy for those still on earth but light with joy to see her safe, whole, and finally at peace wrapped in love. Left behind with broken but grateful hearts are Bear, who stayed by her side until the very end; her parents George (Brandy Nichols) Brajkovic and Dawn (Andy) Brooks; siblings, Keaton Schaeffer (Abby), Mallory (Sam Hulen) Brajkovic, Brady Brooks, and Max Brajkovic, Taylor Montgomery; grandparents, Louise Brajkovic, David and Nancy McKee; bonus grandmothers Sandy Nichols and Linda Brooks; uncles, Jesse Brajkovic, Tommy (Brenda) Brooks, Mike (Casey) Nichols; nephews; a billion-dollar jackpot of cousins; and we cannot leave out her niece Bounce (Mallory’s dog). Did we tell you she loved dogs? In lieu of flowers, Ainsley’s family is asking for your help in showing our gratitude by donating in memoriam to: Pawsperity, Wyandot Center, or St. John’s Catholic Church.