Brenda G. Crowe, 65, of Kansas City, MO, died peacefully on May 10, 2018 after a brief illness. Born in Great Bend, Kansas on November 18, 1952 to Johnnie and Marie (Griffith) Crowe, Brenda moved to Kansas City in 1975 after her studies at Kansas State University.
Vivacious and always a music lover, she soon became a familiar face in the city’s lively arts community, and for many years hosted her legendary Jewelled Crawdad Ball gatherings with live music in the “peach orchard” at her longtime home in Westport. One year she helped create a flamboyantly hilarious float for Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, and she founded a “krewe” excursion to New Orleans that has continued to be a presence at that city’s Jazz & Heritage Festival for over 30 years. Brenda was a highly intelligent, witty, vibrant person who was the imaginative social director of many great adventures for her friends over the years – but she also always found time to do good for others, including reading to the blind at UMKC. Her social conscience and her kindness and generosity were boundless, and her loyalty to those she loved was fierce. There was always room at Brenda’s home (maybe even on the couch) and in her heart for one more friend.
After many years working at MARC and at Rose Brooks Center, Brenda spent over two decades as Box Office Manager for the Kansas City Ballet. She was deeply devoted to the organization and cherished her close friendship with the late artistic director Todd Bolender, who took a personal interest in Brenda and her young son Tyler. A staunch advocate for the Ballet’s subscribers and supporters, Brenda was beloved by them.
But the epicenter of her world was Tyler, who grew up within the KC Ballet, taking classes and helping in the box office. Brenda took tremendous pride in his scholastic success and his great achievements in competitive swimming and coaching; over the years that Tyler was active in the Kansas City area, she never missed a swim meet. She found immense reward in motherhood, and the greatest joy of her life was seeing Tyler graduate from law school at the University of Oklahoma and begin his law practice last year in the state where their family’s Cherokee heritage originated.
Brenda is survived by her son, Tyler D. Crowe, Esq. of Norman, Oklahoma; her sister Lovella Mullen of Salina, Kansas; numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Johnnie Douglas Crowe, Jr., and her sister Peggy Crowe.
A celebration of Brenda’s life will take place on Saturday, June 2nd from 2-4pm at the Kansas City Ballet’s Todd Bolender Center at 500 Pershing Road, KCMO. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kansas City Ballet, with all gifts going to the Todd Bolender Scholarship Fund.
She will be missed. Enjoyed so many visits to her home. Many great memories of an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers are for her family and friends. Tyler, you were pride and joy. Love you,
Ms. Sue
My life is better because I knew and loved Brenda. I’ll always love her and Tyler.
I loved Brenda so much! There wasn’t a day that I saw her where she didn’t give me one of her biggest smiles. She will be missed.
Those of us who knew Brenda are forever changed.
One of the most unique and special friends I’ve ever met has left this earthly plane, and i am deeply, profoundly sad for the loss of this bright spirit. Brenda was one of the most loyal, witty, honest, and smart friends you could hope to have. She was one of a kind. I’m gonna miss her for the rest of my time on earth.
Brenda was a Kansas City icon! Her life was well lived and her friendship circles many. Her laughter and humor was infectious.
She touched many hearts. Her son, Tyler, was the best thing that ever happened to her and she raised him to be an extraordinary young man.
I will miss you Brenda. RIP. Linda
We are sorry to hear about Brenda’s passing, and send our thoughts and prayers to Tyler and your whole family. We remember your mom’s dedication in attending your swim meets at Park Hill. Take care.
Margie and Mike Maasen
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Brenda. I knew Brenda at KSU. In her early days in Kansas City, I attended a lot of her house parties. She was a special person!