Brigitte Ann McCall, 79, passed away on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, in the comfort of her own home, following a long battle with lung and heart diseases.
Brigitte was born on Saturday, April 20th, 1946, in Darmstadt, Germany. She immigrated to the U.S.A. with her mother and adoptive father, Joseph and Tilly Aunkst, in the late 1950’s. They moved often, due to her father’s military career, and lived in Pennsylvania where she graduated high school, in Texas, California, Newfoundland, and in Spain where she married and returned to the States. Divorcing shortly after, she was raising two sons alone while waiting tables, tending bar, and cleaning houses and apartments. During that time, she lived in Utah, Tennessee, and then settled in Kansas where she met and married Ken Fergel. Through that marriage, she was a homemaker on the farm in Berryton and worked part time in the city as a professional singer. Nearly ten years later, she divorced and moved to Topeka where she married Garry McCall, and together they had a daughter. Brigitte divorced and returned to the farm, renting from her friend and ex-husband, Ken, who adopted and helped raise all three of her children. She completed coursework to be a stenographer but instead chose to begin her career with Shawnee County as a Sheriff’s Deputy in 1981, later becoming a Correctional Specialist, and eventually retiring in 2000 as the Senior Officer at the Shawnee County Adult Detention Center. After retirement, Brigitte pursued her passion for collecting and making porcelain dolls by briefly operating her own business, Heartland Dolls. She married Jim Norton and lived with him in Mayetta for around ten years. After his passing, she purchased her own home in Topeka and lived out the rest of her days closer to her loved ones.
Brigitte loved nature and animals and sought every opportunity to interact with them. She could often be found outside searching for four-leaf clover or interesting rocks, picking wildflowers, or trying to tame all types of wild animals. A cherished activity was dining at Golden Corral where she could fill her purse with leftovers to take home to her beloved pets. Brigitte was a devout, non-denominational Christian whose generosity and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her unwavering faith guided her actions and fostered a sense of warmth that enveloped all who entered her life. She did not believe in attending services in church buildings but rather she saw the world as her church. She never missed an opportunity to witness to others and to share the good news of Jesus Christ, frequently pointing to the crosses and portraits of Jesus hanging on her walls. One of her favorite pastimes was exploring garage sales and thrift stores. Upon entering her home, one was invariably greeted by an array of trinkets and treasures she would joyfully offer to guests, no matter what their level of familiarity, her abundant jewelry collection often resulted in friends and family leaving with a piece of her generosity in hand. She went above and beyond to make others feel welcome and loved, and she never hesitated to help someone in need. All were welcome in her home.
Brigitte was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, stepdaughter Sheryl Norton, and Cousin Ewald Menzer. She leaves behind two sons, Joseph (Sherry) Fergel and James M. Fergel; a daughter, Joyce (Jared) Fergel; grandchildren, Eddie (Jessica) Fergel, Jessica (Matt) Wurm, James D. Fergel, Jenna Fergel, and Taylor Mayfield; a step-grandson, Michael (Rachel) Norton; great grandchildren, Jordan, James II, Lyla, and the Norton family in Mayetta; and also many other relatives and friends who were family to her, and who will miss her dearly.
Per her wishes, Brigitte was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2636 SE Minnesota Avenue, Topeka, KS 66605, on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, from 2:00-4:00pm, with a formal reading of her obituary at 2:30pm and a chance to share memories. Refreshments will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society, Inc. of Topeka by phone at 785-233-7325, online at https://www.hhhstopeka.org/make-a-donation/, or by mail at 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604.
