Kelly Brude
Kelly Brude dedicated her life to service—in uniform, in community, and in every chapter that followed. A proud Veteran, Kelly served in the United States Army for seven years before beginning a 24-year career as a social worker, touching countless lives with compassion and steadfast commitment. Kelly also shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor of social work and history and as a trainer for the State of Colorado, helping to guide and inspire future generations of helpers. Service to others was Kelly’s lifelong calling. After retiring from social work, Kelly’s dear friend Pam once again encouraged her to consider health insurance work. For years Kelly had lovingly—and firmly—declined, insisting she didn’t care for health insurance or its costs. But one day, after accompanying Pam to volunteer at Marian House, serving meals to 200–600 people a day, and then visiting Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs, Kelly saw a path she hadn’t expected. In those moments, she discovered a new way to merge meaningful volunteer work with a second career—one that allowed her to continue uplifting those most in need: Medicare-eligible individuals, people experiencing homelessness, low-income communities, and fellow Veterans. Becoming a health insurance broker was not just a profession for Kelly; it was a continuation of a lifetime spent standing beside others, helping them navigate difficult systems with dignity and hope. Kelly’s legacy is one of service, humility, and heart. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to those she served and the many lives she touched along the way.