Dorothy Carnelia

Dorothy Carnelia, nee Broedel, Prairie Village, KS, went home to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday January 24, 2020 at the age of 106.  She was born in Brooklyn, New York to Peter and Helen O’Hara Broedel on August 23, 1913.  She was the oldest of 10 children all of whom preceded her in death.  On September 4, 1943 she married the love of her life, Joseph Carnelia.  They were married 55 years before he was called home and together, they raised 7 children. In 1950 they moved to Kansas City with Joe’s job at Macys.

Her life was guided by a strong Christian faith.  She has been a member of St. Ann Catholic Church since 1950. She was involved in parish activities, taught CCD classes, volunteered in the school library, was a member of the altar guild and a long-standing member of the Villa St. Francis Auxiliary.  She also served on the election commission in Prairie Village for many years.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother and an extraordinary example whose faith and family were at the heart of all she did.  She was blessed with the ability to enjoy her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren frequently and to the very end.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe in 1998, infant son Gerard in 1957 and son-in-law Jerry Hood in 2007. She is survived by three sons; Joseph (Beverly) Carnelia, Overland Park, KS John (Joyce) Carnelia of Glendale, AZ and Michael (Chris) Carnelia of Overland Park, KS. and four daughters; Dotte Carnelia of Prairie Village, KS, Mary (Paul) Kamphoefner of Defiance, MO, Judy Hood of Hernando, MS. and Ann (Mike) Hunt of Kansas City, Mo., 16 grandchildren;  Kimberly Carnelia Bramlett, Katie Carnelia Williams, John Chris Carnelia, Juliet Carnelia, Janet Carnelia Woodruff, Matthew Kamphoefner, Jennifer Kamphoefner Miller, Angela Kamphoefner Scherer, Mark Kamphoefner, Joe Kamphoefner, Jill Hood, Joy Hood Clark, Kyle Hunt, Travis Hunt, Garrett Hunt and Kasey Hunt.    18 great-grandchildren;  Jake, Delaney, Justine, John Richard,  Pepper, Flynn,  Ryan, Rocco, Eva Kate, Collins, Rhett, Charly, Sam, Daniel, Adalyn, Sophie, Christopher, Cade  and 2 great-great grandchildren: Wyatt, John Scott.

Dorothy will be remembered as a kind and loving person who exemplified the Fruits of the Spirit every day of her long life.  She was always content with her circumstances and lived each day with a grateful heart.  According to her, the secret to a long and happy life is: “Be kind to everyone, pray, love, forgive and celebrate life.”

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rene Bollier, Dr. Craig Lundgren, and Dr. Cosmo Caruso who all cared for Dorothy as though she were their own mother. She sang your praises and loved each of you.

The family wishes to thank St Joseph Medical Center nursing, PT, OT, RT staffs for the compassionate care provided Dorothy during her many hospitalizations.  Carondelet Home Care nurses, bath aid, PT, OT and Speech therapy staffs cared for Dorothy in her home with kindness and skill.

Finally, to Dotte a special acknowledgment and thank you from her family:  You spent your life with your parents providing care and companionship throughout all the joys and sorrows of their lives.  Especially over the past several years, your constant care of your mother, while difficult, was so very much appreciated by her.  You were one of her daily joys!  When in the hospital she never failed to ask how you were every single day. God Bless you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday February 1, 2020 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS.  Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 PM on Friday January, 31, 2020 at the church with the rosary beginning at 5:30pm.  In lieu of flowers family suggests contributions to Catholic Charities or donor’s choice.  Dorothy loved flowers however she loved people more!