Alice Nancy Brochner

Alice Nancy Brochner, a devoted mother, beloved nurse, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully at home, January 12, 2024, at the age of 86. She was born on December 19, 1937, in Niagara Falls, New York, and later moved to Denver, Colorado, where she spent her childhood. Alice was known for her indomitable spirit and unwavering compassion, traits that defined her remarkable life. Alice’s early years were marked by resilience and determination. She vividly recalled during World War II, that armed guards accompanied her school bus as a precaution, due to her father’s work on uranium to help end the war. Her adventurous spirit was evident when, at just seven years old, she decided to walk home alone, which inadvertently triggered a national alert, and as she would jokingly say “I was the youngest most wanted by the FBI.” She met her husband, while working for another Neurosurgeon. Her quick wit and astounding beauty captured the heart of her husband. They began their life together working as a team in Medicine. Their first born daughter, she joked affectionately, was a “do it yourself kit” and was delivered at home by her father. A woman of unwavering faith, Alice was a devout Catholic and a parishioner at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano, Texas. She also actively participated in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco, Texas, teaching CCD to second graders and ESL classes to adults. Additionally, Alice was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), American Red Cross and North Texas Salukis Club, where she found camaraderie and shared passions with like-minded individuals. Alice pursued her passion for nursing, dedicating over 60 years to the field. Graduating from St. Joseph’s University Nursing School in Denver in 1955, where she went on to work as an Operating Room Registered Nurse in Chicago, New York, Montreal, Denver and Texas. Later in her career she also became a Nurse Legal Consultant. Alice’s commitment to her profession was unparalleled, as she tirelessly served and cared for those in need. In her spare time, Alice immersed herself in the love of her family and later, her therapy dogs. She was a loving and selfless mother, always providing support and guidance to her four children. Despite the sudden passing of her husband, Dr. Ruben Brochner, Sr., Alice worked tirelessly, holding multiple jobs to ensure her children received a quality education. Her dedication to her family was unwavering. Later, she dedicated her time to the rescue of Salukis, an ancient breed of dogs that captured her heart. Her rescue activity led her to begin showing these amazing dogs at dog shows across the country. She soon realized that the saluki would make a wonderful therapy dog, so she began training them as therapy dogs to help patients at Baylor, Our Children’s House Baylor and Reading programs for children throughout the Dallas Metroplex. During her retirement, Alice enjoyed her daily trips to Michelle’s office, where she used her lifelong medical skills to encourage and support the medical staff, interact and cheer-up the patients, and stay involved in medicine as both a cheerleader and inspiration to all who she came into contact. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Caroline Rybakiewicz Breese and Donald Allen Breese Sr., her beloved husband Dr. Ruben Brochner Jr., and her son Jason Jeffrey Brochner, as well as her cherished therapy dog, Dasher, a Saluki. She leaves behind a profound legacy, cherished and remembered by her daughter, Dr. Michelle Brochner and son-in-law James LeBrun, her son Ruben Brochner, her daughters Danielle Brochner, and Giselle (Brochner) Gachter and Giselle’s husband Rolando, together with Alice’s grandchildren Veronica and Vivian. Although Alice Nancy Brochner’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her legacy of love, compassion, and unyielding determination will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Alice Nancy Brochner

December 19, 1937 - January 12, 2024