KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Rain dropped down on a patchwork quilt of umbrellas outside Redemptorist Church.
Green wreaths hung on the door as a sign of welcome to all who entered.
Ladies in their Sunday best matched with pearls and the perfect handbag. On each one read the name “Kate Spade.”
Inside there was a guestbook and an array of beautiful flowers, but you would not see the photo of the icon these women came to honor. Her family would tell you that’s just Kate’s style.
Inside the sanctuary, the ornate altar of white allowed the pop of pink peonies to come into focus. Kate’s favorite flower was all you needed to see. From small vases to large arrangements, the bulbous beauties were like fireworks of flowers. Simple yet strong. Beautiful and bold. Candles flickering in the background adding sparkle to the room.
Women lined the pews wearing black with splashes of color.
A fan walked up to the reserved section and sat. She tried to snap her perfect Instagram photo, but an usher brought her back 10 rows.
The room bustled with conversations, some about what Katherine meant to them and others just saying hello to old friends.
Spade took her own life earlier this month. She was found dead in her New York City apartment on June 5.
When the clock struck 3 p.m., the room went silent, but it would be another 15 minutes before the doors of the church opened and her memories walked in.
The folded program was bordered in green with the heading “Our Tribute to Katherine Noel Brosnahan,” who the world knows as Kate Spade. Below was a black and white photograph of the woman who brought everyone there that day, clutching her young daughter, full of love. It was a happier time. This was the flash and glamour that Kate loved — the joy of being a mother — and it was clear to see.
A light shined down the aisle and in walked Spade’s family with her in front. A simple white porcelain urn held the fashion icon, followed by her husband Andy, his brother David and their mother. Her brothers and sisters and extended family sang “The First Noel” as they walked her to the altar.
Katherine Noel Brosnahan was born Dec. 24, 1962. Her family said her love of Christmas started the first day of her life. She wished every day was Christmas Eve.
“All of her life, Katy was thrilled to be a Christmas Eve baby, thus her middle name. We welcome her home with a song that celebrates those two facets of her legacy.”
Some singing somberly and others with verve, the room sang with them in a carol for Katy.
Before beginning the ceremony, the Rev. Donald Farnan made an announcement to the room. Earl (Frank) Brosnahan Jr. had planned to be there that day. However, in the past few weeks his health took a turn and he was placed into hospice care just days earlier.
The night before his daughter’s funeral, Brosnahan died. Farnan said he wanted to be with Katy, that they were together now with her mother.
Farnan said there was a tie between each scripture reading that day: love, innocence and child-like nature. The ability to see the best in others. That was Katherine’s character — a character reflecting the heart of Kansas City, where strong morals, a firm handshake and an authentic smile all mean something.
Farnan said it was only fitting the “gem of her family” was laid to rest here.
He spoke about Spade’s love for animals. In lieu of flowers, Spade asked donations to be given to the ASPCA and Wayside Waifs, Kansas City’s largest no-kill shelter. Farnan said Spade couldn’t stand zoos, circuses and anyone who could tug on a dog’s leash. It spoke to her empathetic character, her ability to listen and understand others.
His gospel spoke about a girl…
