Marilyn Rose Brosang

Celebration of life service for Marilyn Rose Brosang, 81, of Tyler, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler with Rev. Ken Brumley and Rev. Lonnie Holbrook officiating. A reception will follow at the church. A private family burial will be held in Rose Lawn Cemetery in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mrs. Brosang passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Tyler. Marilyn was born June 9, 1942, in Erie, PA to Michael and Anna Sima Lipchik. In 1960 she graduated from McDowell High School and then attended Mercyhurst University, an all-women’s college, where she received a bachelor’s degree in music. In June of 1964, one week after graduating college, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Brosang in St. Peter’s Cathedral, in Erie, PA. Bill’s service in the Air Force moved the newlyweds to San Antonio, Texas. Marilyn received a teaching position in choral music at San Antonio High School and later at West Chester High School in Houston. In 1970 the Brosang’s welcomed their first child, Bill Jr., and the couple moved out of the big city of Houston to Tyler where Marilyn taught private piano lessons and choral music at Tyler Junior College. The Brosang’s made Tyler their permanent home as their family grew to include Michael, Miles, and Courtney. In 1975, Bill and Marilyn opened Brosang’s Gifts and China in the Green Acres Shopping Center. The following year they opened a second store in the French Quarter. In addition, Marilyn had an eye for beauty and design and in 1981 the Brosang’s incorporated fresh flowers into their store. However, it was Marilyn’s passion for floral design, and her unique style that made brides-to-be, seek her advice on that perfect bouquet. In addition, she was an event wedding planner where customers flocked for those one-of-a-kind centerpieces. As a result, Brosang’s Flowers was born. Moreover, by establishing Brosang’s Flowers it made the Brosang name synonymous with flowers throughout the East Texas area. Marilyn’s floral design skills caught the eye of the community and beyond. She was invited by many executives to decorate for their personal and business events. In addition, Marilyn distinguished herself locally, nationally, and internationally as a floral designer. Brosang’s Flowers became known as a family business that offered its customers a talented fresh approach to floral design. When purchasing a floral design, Marilyn felt the customer is not just buying flowers, they are commissioning art and this attitude made each arrangement special. Marilyn helped customers express their feelings and unique sentiments for any occasion with green and blooming plants, roses, ballon bouquets, gift baskets, exquisite fresh floral designs with a variety of dramatic styles, sympathy flowers and loosely-wrapped seasonal services. Marilyn’s design style was referred to as, “elegance you can truly appreciate.” She received many certifications and honors, including Texas Master Floral (TMF); accredited member of the Society of American Floral (SAF); a member of the American Academy of Horticulture (AAH); and met the requirements to be invited and accepted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). One of her highest honors came when she was invited to Washington D.C. to compose floral arrangements for the 2005 United States inaugural ball for former President, George W. Bush. In addition, she was invited back for his second term inauguration as well. With the flower business going well, Bill and Marilyn decided to expand the wedding part of the business and in 1992 added Brosang’s Limousine, becoming the “go to ride” for newlyweds to depart on their honeymoon. For the next several years the couple ran two thriving businesses. A few years ago, Marilyn retired from the flower business. However, even after her retirement, flowers still remained a big part of her life. She spent hours gardening around her home and teaching floral design at TJC-West Campus. One of Marilyn’s favorite hobbies was to compete in the activity of golf. Whether she was playing for pleasure or competing, Marilyn thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect that golf fosters. Marilyn was not shy when it came to competition. She was highly competitive herself competing in local tournaments around the East Texas area. Consequently, her family came to love golf as much as she did. Marilyn loved and was proud of her family. She instilled Christian values and a strong work ethic in her children. Marilyn welcomed eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to her growing family. It was Marilyn’s strong faith and her love for God that brought her great joy. More than forty-five years ago she gave her life to the Lord and joined Green Acres Baptist Church. She used her gift of music to help lead junior high students to Jesus. With a growing desire to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, Marilyn joined Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) which gave her the Biblical understanding of how to pray and share her faith with others. In addition, she was a BSF leader for over 40 years. Moreover, she had a personal connection with each of the members of her small groups and would personally call and pray with them during the week. Even as her health began to fail, her faith never wavered. She continued to trust God with every step. Her faith stayed strong even as she took her final breath. No doubt she heard Jesus say, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” when she entered Heaven. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Michael, and Ann Lipchik. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Bill Brosang; her sons, William C. Brosang, Michael Brosang and wife Channey, and Miles Brosang; her daughter, Courtney Holbrook and husband Lonnie; her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Brosang; her sisters, Janice Howard and husband Mike, and Caroline Blum and husband Pepe; her 11 grandchildren: Michael Nelson Brosang and wife Shelby, William D. Brosang and wife Kaylene, Cayden Brosang, Matthew Brosang, Hannah Sleeper, Emersyn Brosang, Eden Holbrook, Brennen Holbrook, Max Holbrook, Addilyn Brosang, and Levin Holbrook; 2 great-grandchildren, Kaylee Brosang and Gwin Brosang; niece and nephews; and by many more friends whom we count as family. Pallbearers are Nelson Brosang, William D. Brosang, Cayden Brosang, Matthew Brosang, Brennen Holbrook, Max Holbrook, and Levin Holbrook. If desired, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Marilyn Rose Brosang

June 9, 1942 - April 10, 2024