October 19, 1965 – May 1, 2025
Kathy “Kati” Jean Brazda, born Heidi Jo, passed away peacefully at her brother’s home in Lincoln, NE, at the age of 59 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by her two brothers and sister-in-law, she spent her final days in the comfort of home, just as she had wished.
Kati courageously battled Stage IV colon cancer for seven and a half years with remarkable strength, enduring multiple surgeries and treatments while continuing to live independently in New York City. After returning to Nebraska in December 2024, she braved several skin grafts on her legs, which miraculously healed and allowed her final months to be relatively free from pain. Her doctors were astonished by her recovery during that time, a grace her loved ones saw as a gift from God.
Kati was born in Omaha, NE, and the daughter of Douglas and Karen (Brandert) Brazda. She was baptized on November 21, 1965, at King of Kings Lutheran Church and grew up in West Point, NE, alongside her two brothers Scott and Rich, all through the gift of adoption. She graduated from West Point Jr-Sr High in 1984 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in theater from the University of Nebraska–Omaha, followed by her MFA in acting from Illinois State University. She had various jobs which included serving at Pizza Hut, Duke of Perth and John’s Pizzeria on 44th, hot walking horses at Aksarben, being a nanny in Long Island, NY, administrative assistant for Monterey International, and concierge/sales with Blue Man Group. Early acting roles included performances at the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.
Her passion for her craft and resilience in the face of personal challenges made her a respected and beloved figure in the theater community. Kati’s perseverance was an inspiration to all who knew her. As a gifted actress, she flourished in Chicago’s vibrant theater community for over a decade, joining Defiant Theatre and performing with esteemed companies such as Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens, Remy Bumppo, Collaboraction, and Steppenwolf. Her performances earned numerous accolades, including Joseph Jefferson Citations, an After Dark Award, and two Carbonell Award nominations. In 2004, she was honored with the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award as Chicago’s Leading Lady.
Her breakout performance in Trying by Joanna Glass, opposite Tony Award winner Fritz Weaver, took her from Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago to Off-Broadway’s Promenade Theater in New York. For the next two decades, Kati performed across the U.S., including more than a dozen states. Her career spanned Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theater.
Kati was known for her emotional range, depth, and ability to connect deeply with audiences in theater, film, and audiobooks. She was proud to be a member of AEA & SAG-AFTRA. Among her more than forty stage credits, highlights include:
• A Moon for the Misbegotten (Broadway, understudy for Josie Hogan)
• The Effect by Lucy Prebble (Barrow Street Theatre)
• The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Palm Beach Dramaworks, Carbonell nomination)
• Our Town (multiple productions including Barrow Street, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Broad Stage in Santa Monica) – playing Mrs. Webb in the longest-running production of the play in history
• Trying (Victory Gardens & Off-Broadway)
• The Secret Rapture (Remy Bumppo, After Dark Award)
• The Life and Times of Tulsa Lovechild (CollaborAction, Jeff Citation)
• The Book of Birdie (Independent film, as Sister Bernadine)
• Maytag Virgin (Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Kati’s final performance in 2020)
Beyond the stage, Kati loved nature. She cherished the outdoors, frequently hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, camping, and traveling to immerse herself in nature. She had a deep love for animals and her beloved dog Dempsey was her constant companion. In her final months, she found comfort sleeping under a gentle glow of Northern Lights projected on her bedroom ceiling while listening to soothing music—a tribute to her awe for the beauty of the earth and sky.
She treasured her family and friendships, never taking a call, letter, or visit for granted. Many of her dearest friends were able to say goodbye in her final hours—a testament to the enduring bonds she nurtured throughout her life. Fulfilling her final wish, she passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love. In her final moments, her eyes opened in awe, as if she were gazing upon something beyond this world. Her family finds peace in knowing she is truly at rest. We wish to extend a huge “Thank You” to all who were part of her life and helped her along the way. “We love you Kati, oh yes we do!”
Kati was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Karen Brazda, and her sister-in-law, Kristy Brazda. She is survived by her brothers Scott Brazda of Omaha, and Rich (Jenni) Brazda of Lincoln; nieces Amanda (Brandon) McAninch and their children Judah and Jentzen, Elizabeth (Stephen) Ratliff and their children June and Rowdy, Blakelee, Tessa, and Rilee Brazda; nephew Mo Brazda; her birth mother and two half-sisters.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date with a memorial to be placed in Mt. Hope Cemetery, beside her father, in West Point, NE overlooking a beautiful sunset. “Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully.” -Kristen Butler
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Memorials in Kati’s honor may be directed to:
The Entertainment Community Fund Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, 729 Seventh Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10019 (Please note: “PNWHI in memory of Kati Brazda”) give.entertainmentcommunity.org/Kati Brazda
The Nature Conservancy |
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The websites may request next of kin address and email, please use: Rich Brazda, 550 E. Hillcrest Drive Lincoln, NE 68520 katibrazda1@gmail.com |
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