Amy Elizabeth Brennan McDaniel was born on August 9, 1983 in Overland Park, Kansas to Judy Slocombe Brennan of Overland Park, Kansas and Terry Brennan of Overland Park, Kansas. She passed on September 8, 2018 at her mother’s home.

Amy Brennan McDaniel (35 years old) was diagnosed with stomach cancer on May 23, 2018 after a routine EGD by her gastro doc. The cancer proved to be extremely aggressive, the chemo exceedingly painful, and she lost her battle on September 8, 2018. She fought through each step with the hope she would be able to survive and continue her life with her sweet Audri whom she loved with all her heart.

Amy graduated from Blue Valley North High School in 2002. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree in Commercial Graphics from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas in 2006.

In 2008, she married Michael McDaniel in Overland Park, Kansas and later divorced. She is survived by her daughter, Audri, her sister Kimberly Brennan, and her parents, Judy Slocombe Brennan of Overland Park, KS, Terry Brennan of Overland Park, KS, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless wonderful loving friends.

Amy’s love and priority was her daughter, Audri. She loved this little girl SO much. She was the sparkle in her life. As time marched on through the summer, Amy was concerned Audri wouldn’t have an opportunity to go to college. It was Amy’s last wish that Audri would have money to go to college so she could have a bright future. This is the reason for the college fund for Audri. Amy shared so much with Audri, including the need for a college degree, the love of giving back in service, the fun things to do in Kansas City, and great times with friends and family. It was not unusual for Amy to take Audri to 3-4 events on the weekends, many of them service opportunities. Amy loved spending time with Audri and showing Audri what was fun and important in Amy’s life.

Amy was employed with Farmers Insurance since January 22, 2018. She loved her job as a Service Advocate. She loved the people she worked with and sat around. She talked highly about her management staff and the caring and compassion they had for her when she had to stop working. She held the hope that she would someday be able to return to work.

Amy was a member of the Larryville’s Running Group and loved all her “family”. Amy’s name was Vladimare Pootin’. On August 29, 2018, 20 people from various running groups ran to our home and celebrated Amy as she welcomed them in the driveway in her wheelchair, smiling and laughing at the funny things that were said and sung. She got many hugs and well wishes that night. She loved having them all “run” in. She missed the Red Dress Run in New Orleans so much this year and she held hope she would be there next year. Her spirit will be running in her red dress next year.

Amy was a Lifetime Girl Scout. She was a Girl Scout from kindergarten through graduation from high school and until her passing. She continued to give back to others through her love for art, teaching others how to create “masterpieces” they could be proud. Through Girl Scouts, she learned to ride horses which continually became a love. She treasured the time she had with Traveler and Rebel (horses). Through a few winters, she boarded a horse from the Girl Scout camp. She went out to the stable frequently throughout the winters to improve her skills. She loved working with others less fortunate in order to help provide a spark in their lives and participated in many service projects/initiatives. Amy earned her Gold Award in 2002, the top award a girl can earn in Girl Scouting.

Renaissance Festival was an outlet for her creativity energy and fun. Each year she portrayed a different character and loved the time she spent at “Renfest”. One year she was Baroness Amata Giovanna Gula, the Baroness of Gluttony. Another year she was a fairy in the Fae of the Wildewood. She loved eating the turkey legs. It wasn’t unusual for Amy to dress Audri in a Renfest costume and walk around together. Amy LOVED “working” at Renfest.

Art was very important in Amy’s life. She shared her love for art and being creative with many. For example, she created unique clay figures, wedding announcements, developed her photography expertise, taught others to express themselves through art, made unique crafts, made costumes, made gifts, created fun things for Audri, and so much more.

Cooking was something she loved doing and did it so well. She loved making family favorites (i.e. peach marmalade), cinnamon rolls, and experimenting with new recipes. We were the benefactors of her labor, for sure.

Amy was a Christian and believed in God and Jesus. She attended Sunday School and participated in church events. She went on many mission trips and loved giving back to those less fortunate. Her heart was huge.

Amy was so fortunate to have so many friends! During this summer and these last weeks, friends reached out to her via text, phone calls, visits, cards, and letters, sharing their love and support as she fought the cancer in her body.

Amy had a huge heart, beautiful brown eyes, welcoming personality, and a huge sweet smile. She had an infectious laugh and sense of humor that warmed anyone around her. It wasn’t unusual for her to run up to someone who was not having a good day, hug them, and pull them into her circle. She was very caring, thoughtful, and a very loving mommy.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Resurrection of Leawood Wesley Chapel. Private burial will be held at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Overland Park, Kansas.

The family asks you consider honoring Amy with her last wish; contributing to Audri’s college fund. https://www.plumfund.com/fundraising/Amys-Last-Wish