Elizabeth (Betty) Gean Brose (née Bennett)

Elizabeth "Betty" Gean Brose, age 86, of Elkhorn, WI, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, surrounded by her three loving daughters and reunited at last with her beloved husband, Jack.

Betty was born on October 28, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Viola (Babe) Smith and Oscar (Bud) Bennett (raised by Thomas Kehoe). She grew up in St. Louis, attending Visitation Academy, and always carried with her the warmth and spirit of her hometown. On July 12, 1958, Betty married the love of her life, John "Jack" Brose, at St. Patrick's Church in St. Louis. Together they built a beautiful life, raising three daughters—Barbara Maxwell, Patricia Brose (Ziskind), and Dianna Burke—in Northbrook, Illinois.

In 1999, Betty and Jack retired to their "happy place" at Lauderdale Lakes, where they built a home filled with joy, laughter, and open doors for family and friends. After Jack's passing in 2008, Betty continued to welcome everyone to the lake house, keeping alive the traditions, they had built together.

Betty truly danced her way through life. Adventurous and full of sparkle, she taught ice skating and dance and even owned a dance studio in Northbrook. She graduated from college in her 40s, pursued a career in the hospitality, and later became a travel agent for over 25 years—sharing her passion for Europe with family, countless friends and clients.

As a stepdaughter of an Irish "businessman," Betty often joked that her upbringing prepared her to be the ultimate hostess. And she was. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her rules were simple: everyone is welcome, family is everything, it's always time for a party, and never stop dancing.

Betty's greatest joy was being "mom" not only to her daughters but to many others who found comfort, fun, and love in her presence—including her loyal English lab companion, Koda. Her life was filled with stories, laughter, and boundless love, which she shared generously with everyone she met.

She is survived by her daughters Barbara (Mike) Maxwell, Patti (Mark Ziskind) Brose, and Dianna (Dan) Burke; seven grandchildren—Deana (Marshall) West, Ashley (Josh) Voss, Taylor (Chance) Harrison, Maggie (Ian) Mullenauer, Sarah Burke, Nicklaus Ziskind, and Jack Ziskind; and six great-grandchildren—Scarlet, Genesis, Hosanna, Jasher, and Jubilee Voss, and Violet West—with another blessing on the way.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held on October 25th, 3-5pm at Lauderdale Lakes Country Club, N7498 Country Club Dr., Elkhorn, WI, 53121.

We mourn her passing, but more importantly, we celebrate her extraordinary life—the joy she brought, the stories she told, and the love she gave so freely. Betty, you are now forever dancing.

Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the Aurora Hospice team and Synergy Home Care (and Sue B) for the tenderness and compassion they showed Betty in her final days. Their care gave immense comfort to her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Froedtert/MCW - breast cancer https://giving.mcw.edu/site/Donation2?df_id=2021&mfc_pref=T&2021.donation=form1

or AMP https://adaptivemobilityproviders.org/give

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Brose family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

AMP
Web: https://adaptivemobilityproviders.org/give

Froedert/MCW
Web: https://giving.mcw.edu/site/Donation2?df_id=2021&mfc_pref=T&2021.donation=form1