Kathryn S Brorein

Kathryn Sue Brorein (Ellison), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted educator, passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior on May 12, 2026, at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was 72 years old and was surrounded by the family she cherished so dearly.

Born on May 7, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, Kathryn was a daughter of Jack and Avis (Lockhart) Ellison, who preceded her in death. She had made her home in Marengo, Ohio, in her final years.

A woman called to serve, Kathryn pursued her passion for children and education at Grace College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. For 38 faithful years, she poured her heart into the students of Temple Christian School, shaping young minds and nurturing young souls with dedication and grace.

Upon retirement, rather than fully stepping away, she continued her mission by working part-time at a Mt. Gilead Christian school, because for Kathryn, teaching was never merely a profession. It was a calling.

Kathryn was a faithful and active member of Lima Baptist Temple Church for many years, and more recently found a spiritual home at Genoa Baptist Church. Her faith was not simply something she professed, it was the very foundation upon which she built her life, her family, and her extraordinary career. She lived each day as a testament to the God she served.

Kathryn is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Gary Brorein; her two daughters, Stephanie (Brorein) Daquila, wife of Alex, and Melissa (Brorein) Swisher, wife of Justin. She was a doting grandmother to Stephanie and Alex’s children: Colton, Riley, and Arabella. She is also survived by her brothers, Jim Ellison (Cathy) and Mark Ellison (Mary).

A passionate educator, a loving wife and mother, and a woman of unshakeable faith, Kathryn embodied selfless service in everything she did. She gave generously of herself to her students, her church, and above all, her family, and left an indelible mark on all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy will live on in the hundreds of children whose lives she shaped, and in the family she loved with her whole heart.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” — Matthew 25:21

"In lieu of flowers, the family is donating a bench to the Columbus Zoo in Kathryn's memory. She and Gary were annual passholders and loved taking the grandkids there. If you'd like to give towards this memoriam, you can do so online or via check.

To give online, go to https://www.columbuszoo.org/memorial-gifts, check "I would like to dedicate this gift" and note in the dedication section "Kathryn Brorein Bench"

To give via check, write "Kathryn Brorein Bench" in the memo and mail to:

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Attn: Philanthropy Bench Program 

4850 W Powell Rd P.O. Box 400 Powell, OH 43065-0400