Rhonda Rae “Nana” Brusso
Aug 8, 1952 – Jan 3, 2021
Rhonda Rae (Stapleton) Brusso born August 8, 1952 in Topeka, Kansas, to Walter Stapleton and Willa Mae Stapleton. She graduated from Nickerson high school in 1970 and Hutchinson Community College in 1975. Rhonda worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield for 33 years. We know she would want us to give a shout out to all her favorite co-workers she spent so much time with over the years.
Rhonda was the epitome of livsnjutare— with an indomitable spirit. She had great love for all things outdoors and lived an active, vigorous lifestyle. Always on the go. There was no sitting around for Rhonda. She was on the move 7 days a week.
Rhonda was very active in the Omaha community over the decades not only with her charitable donations, but she was also very hands on and giving of her time. One may even describe Rhonda as an eleutheromaniac— a true American patriot who loved her country and the American flag.
Rhonda also had a great passion for sports. She loved going to see all her family members who participated in sporting activities in person. She enjoyed other live sporting events and concerts as well. She was a youth coach for her son’s soccer team and daughter’s softball team. She was a huge KC Chiefs fan.
She had a zest for travel and seeing things she had never seen. Ocean to ocean and multiple countries along her road of life. Some of her favorite travels were in her home state of Kansas with her mom and sisters. With the goal of seeing and visiting every square inch of her home state during her favorite time of year, in the summertime, with, THE GIRLS. Rhonda was also an avid reader with a great desire for never ending knowledge.
For those who spent time with her, Rhonda had an amazing improvisational sense of humor and a laugh that will be remembered by all those who heard. But most of all she had an adoring love for her family, immediate and extended. Over the years she became Nana as she devoted so much of her time to her grandchildren. We know she would want every single family member, far and wide to know she loved you all and absolutely loved being able to be a part of all your lives.
Rhonda had the most unique of souls, who brought kindness, light, and laughter to everyone she encountered. Rhonda’s story could not be told without mentioning her love for animals. So many in her neighborhood knew her from her daily walks over the years with her dogs Molly, Scotty, Sweeney, and Fozzy.
For her husband Jan she was his best friend and a vivacious wife of 43 years. For her 2 children as a mom, she was the Greatest of All Time and she was a Nana who will be remembered forever.
She is survived by her mother, Willa Mae Stapleton of Hutchinson, KS; husband, Jan Brusso of Omaha, NE; son, Michael Brusso of Omaha, NE; daughter, Anne (Dante) Mack of Omaha NE; grandchildren: Hope Brusso, Dante Mack Jr, Gage Mack, Cameron Mack of Omaha, NE; sisters: Debby (Eddie) Aleman, Nancy (Ron) Krafels, Barb (Dave) Moore of Hutchinson, KS; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Stapleton; sister, Diane Stapleton.
A Celebration of Rhonda’s Life will be held SAT, 2:00PM at West Center Chapel. Memorials are suggested in Rhonda’s name to Nebraska Humane Society.
22 Comments
I had the pleasure of working with Rhonda for most of our careers. She was a bright light at work. Always smiling and laughing. Prayers that your sweet memories of her will comfort you.
I loved Rhonda’s spirit. She was such a fun and positive force. You just couldn’t help but be drawned to her. I will always hear her laugh! Miss you Rhonda! Rest in peace
A beautiful soul resting in heaven!
My deepest sympathy goes out to Anne and your entire family! I had the pleasure of working with Rhonda for over 30 years, she was always so fun and quick witted and just such a fun person to be around, she was so smart and knew the company and the culture inside and out! It was a bonus when Anne started working for the company as well! These two were a force for sure! She absolutely loved being a mom and nana–you could see her face beam with pride over her children and grandchildren! She will be missed incredibly! We are so sorry for your family to lose her so soon! I know she will be watching over you all and probably messing with you a little just to remind you she is always watching from above! If there is anything we can do for you Anne, please let us know!! Our hugs go out to you! Christy Kofoed & Kim Yong
You have my Deepest Sympathy! RIP Rhonda Brusso.
Please accept my sincere and prayer filled condolences in the loss of your dear mom, Nana, wife, friend, and aunt. To be absent in body is to be present with the lord..
My dear friends, I’m so very sorry for your pain your going through. Rhonda will always remain in my prayers and thoughts. With love
Jan and family, We were heartbroken when we heard the news of Rhonda’s passing. We are neighbors so we have our cherished memories of seeing Rhonda faithfully walking her dogs several times a day. The Nebraska weather never stopped her. I could always count on her to come to our “neighborhood watch night out” gatherings, over the years. She was a ray of sunshine and we will always remember her signature laugh. She was very proud of, and talked often about her family. We will keep Rhonda and all of you in our prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was a joy to work in the presence of Rhonda. I will never forget the warmth her smile brought to the office each and every day. God bless.
Anne and family, I was so sad to hear this. I loved working with Rhonda and her laugh was contagious and awesome. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rhonda was a pleasure to work with on any project or training at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Rhonda will be missed. She was always full of life and cheer and very young at heart. Prayers to all her family.
Jan, our deepest sympathy to you, your family and loved ones. May you find comfort in knowing you are not alone, you are surrounded by those who care for you.
Anne and family. I was devastated to hear of the loss of your beautiful mother, wife and nana. She was an unbelievably funny and awesome woman. Her laugh was something. I pray that during this unexpected and unfathomable loss you can find comfort and solace in the memories you have with her. May she RIP.
My sympathy definitely. Rhonda called it as it was and I admire that! Fearless, full of life and always willing to give a helping hand. I loved working with her.
Jan and Family We are so sorry for the loss of your Beloved Wife, Mother and Grand Mother.God Bless,You Jan,and your Family.💔🙏
My deepest sympathy to all your family on your loss.
Our sincere condolences to your family. We will miss seeing Rhonda on her daily walks in our neighborhood.
I am so sorry, Stapleton family, for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine what she and Diane are doing right now!
Anne, I’m so terribly sorry for the loss from and of your family.. my thoughts are with you snd yours. God Bless
Rhonda was a bright light I. She was so kind to me and had a great sense of humor. So sad to hear that she has passed.
Jan and family, our deepest sympathy to you all. When we first moved into the house down the street, my daughter, then 3 years old. called Rhonda ‘The Delmatian Lady” since she walked past our home with her Dematian. Rhonda was patient and introduced her pets to our daughter and immediately made a friend, the first in the neighborhood. Rhonda, we miss you, A good neighbor! We pray for comfort for Jan and the rest of the family.
Rhonda was such a bright and fun loving spirit, taken from us too soon. So glad I had the pleasure of working with her for many years.
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