Edith Ozar Bratt, 105, a loving and vibrant woman fondly known as “Aunt Ede” to family and loved ones, passed away Jan. 29, 2022, peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.
A Kansas City native, Edith was born to Simon and Sadie Friedman Ozar on June 12, 1916. Sadly, Sadie passed away suddenly when Edith was 12. Her mother’s youngest sister, Sarah ‘Auntie’ took over raising Edith and her three siblings Dorothea, age 9, Milton, age 4, and Isadore ‘ii’ age 2. Once Edith and Dorothea were married, Sarah married Simon.
Edith was a devoted student and “skipped” two grades, graduating from Manual High School at the age of 16. She excelled in literature and debate and was the president of the honor’s debate team. After graduating high school, Edith attended Kansas City Teachers College and taught at Lowell Elementary, a school with many impoverished families. Throughout the years, Edith spoke of her students and even saved some of their artwork. One very talented young student captivated Edith. She kept his original color drawings on muslin. This student, Elpidio Rocha became a famous architect and professor in California.
In 1937, Edith married Lewis J. Bratt. Lou taught his bride-to-be how to drive during their courtship — a very progressive skill for a woman. He wanted Edith to be independent. Edith resigned from teaching, as it was customary at the time that a married woman be ineligible to teach. Lou, a pharmacist, opened his own business in 1936, Lou’s Pharmacy, originally on 15th & Brooklyn then at 31st & Brooklyn in Kansas City, Missouri. Edith worked alongside her husband until she became a mother to her beloved Seth and Kevin.
Edith’s life-long, absolute devotion and love for her family was unparalleled. She had an interest in every detail in the lives of family members and treasured friends. Her memory was exceptional and an amazement to all. Her large family included over 140 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-greats from all over the country. Aunt Ede never forgot a birthday and cherished the cards and photos she received. She affectionately completely covered the surface of her refrigerator with photos of her loved ones.
Edith was exceptionally gifted in speech writing, often in rhyme, as well as public speaking. She was an active member in several local organizations, serving as presidents of Greater Kansas City Chapter of Hadassah, Center School District PTA & Boy Scouts of America Pioneer Mothers; life board member of Beth Shalom Sisterhood & the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Women's Auxiliary. She would stand before organizations with composure reading clearly and communicating with eye contact and gestures.
Edith will be sorely missed by all those she touched.
Edith is survived by her sons, Seth Bratt and Kevin Bratt of Zurich, Switzerland; grandsons Yoel and Ezra Bratt of Zurich; sisters-in-law Marilyn Brand Ozar of St. Louis, Missouri, and Lesly Ozar; nieces and nephews Rickie Schere Haith, Harriet Schere Siegel, Spencer Schere, Sharon Jagoda Sigman, Steve Jagoda, Eileen Jagoda, Diane Jagoda Horowitz, Ray Jagoda, Brooke Weinstein Krieger, Rabbi Avi Weinstein, Randy Weinstein, Dr. Stuart Ozar, Judy Ozar Henry, Donna Ozar Goldfarb, Elaine Bratt Westmeyer, Linda Bratt Stephens, Joel Bratt, Lenny Ozar, Stephanie Ozar Elyachar and Lisa Ozar.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Louis Memorial Chapel.
No flowers. Donations to be made to the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy or Lewis Bratt Pharmacy Scholarship at UMKC School of Pharmacy.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com
