Tonja Marie (Kallsen) Brace, 48, went home to be the Lord on January 1, 2017, surrounded by her family, after a year-long battle with breast cancer. She was born April 27, 1968, in Nashville, Tenn. to Carl and Pat Bartlett Kallsen.

She was a stay-at-home mom for several years before becoming a volunteer and eventually a full-time employee of the Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. She loved her husband, her kids, she loved her dogs, Axel and Zuzu, and she loved life. She was a member of Crossview Church, Grabill, IN. She married Bill Brace on May 26, 2001, in Fort Wayne and they were best friends until the end. She will be missed dearly.

Survivors include husband Bill Brace of Leo, IN; Son Everett Butler of Athens, GA; Daughters Lauren (Ben) Neuenschwander of Fort Wayne, Erica Brace of Fort Wayne and Audrey Brace of Leo, IN, Grandchildren Olivia and Sutton Neuenschwander; Sisters Becki (Bob) Quimby of Mishawaka, IN, Tammy (Tim) King of Churubusco, IN; Father Carl Kallsen of Churubusco, IN; Mother Pat Kallsen of South Bend, IN; Nieces and nephew Brooke Chamberlin of Elkhart, IN, Kendall and Kelsea King of Churubusco, IN, Hannah and Colton Smith of Fort Wayne; Step-mother Yolanda Kallsen of Fort Wayne; and step-sister Heather Smith of Fort Wayne.

Memorial visitation will be from 3-7 pm on Thursday, January 5, at FairHaven Funeral Home, 6557 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. A Celebration of Life service will be at 2 pm Friday, January 6, 2017 at Crossview Church, 12532 Grabill Rd., Grabill, IN with calling one hour prior. Memorials can be made to Crossview Church, Grabill IN, or Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control.