Carol Ann Brumfield Chatelain went to join the Lord’s orchestra Saturday, June 9, 2018. She was born in Lewis, Kansas December 5, 1934 to Rex O. Brumfield and Esther Marie Dixon Brumfield. Carol graduated from Kansas University with bachelor’s degrees in violin performance and music education and a master’s degree in music education. She taught music at Tomahawk Elementary school for 31 years starting many budding musicians on a lifelong journey of music appreciation.
Carol was a member of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra since 1972, its concertmaster since 1975 and a member of the orchestra’s board for more than 20 years. She played in the Harvest String Quartet for 27 years, enriching people’s lives with music and adding joy to their special events.
In addition to her boundless love of music, Carol cherished spending time with her family and friends and her dachshund, Heidi. She enjoyed reading, traveling, crossword puzzles and was an avid KU basketball fan.
Carol is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard Chatelain of Prairie Village, KS, brother Robert Dale Brumfield of Seattle, WA, daughters Jeanne Chatelain Townsend (Frank) of Annapolis, MD and Cherie Chatelain Fowler (Gene) of Battle Ground, WA, grandson Colby Eugene Fowler of Vancouver, WA, and great-grandson, Kaiden.
Visitation will be held, Saturday, June 16 from 9:30-11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church 5400 West 75th Street, Prairie Village, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Kansas City Civic Orchestra, P.O. Box 224, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201.
friend ,Wichita ,Kansas
I knew Carol through my husband Boyd and his sister Mynie Lou Griffith who grew up in Lewis with Carol and Bob. Carol was a lovely person. I saw her last July here in Wichita at Mynie Lou's birthday celebration, but before that where ever she was playing her violin in Lewis, Larned, or Kinsley. She played beautifully, and it was always such a joy to hear her. She was very generous with her talent. I am very saddened by her loss. My sincere condolences to her family.
Friend/ Former Student ,Prairie Village ,Kansas
Carol was such an amazing woman and wonderful soul. The world is better because of Carol and her work. She touched the lives of so many students and inspired many children with a lifelong love of music. Thank you to Dick and her girls for sharing her with all of us and my condolences for your family’s loss.
Former student ,Lawrence ,Kansas
Mrs. Chatelain's class was by far my favorite at Tomahawk. She made learning fun and creative and was a kind, patient, diligent teacher. I vividly remember acting out "Don Gato", dancing to musical stories she played on the record player, and trying the autoharp in her class. I was inspired to try the oboe for a year, without much success. Embarrassed by my loud honking in orchestra practice, I informed Mrs. Chatelain that I planned to just pretend to play during our final concert. I was gratified that she kept the bigger picture in mind and respected my decision without comment (perhaps she was relieved?!). She then encouraged me to switch instruments, so I took up viola and it stuck. I played seriously throughout high school, competed a lot regionally, and did well. I sang in choir and performed in musicals in high school and college, too, thanks in part to her encouragement and enthusiasm for music. As an adult, her early inspiration and training has hugely helped me enjoy and improve my dance practice, which has been my passion. My condolences to those who loved her. Mrs. Chatelain's life's work was an inspiration to so many. I am deeply grateful that she was my teacher.
