Grissom-Clark Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Ms. Molly Brodak

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Ms. Molly Brodak on March 8, 2020. Celebration of Life will be Sunday, March 15, 2020 11:00am at Grissom-Clark Eastlake Chapel. Family hour will be Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 10:00am-11:00am.

Molly Brodak, age 39, of Atlanta, GA passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020. A memorial service to honor Molly’s life and work will take place on Sunday, March 15, from 11am to 1pm with receiving at 10am at Grissom Clark Funeral Home.

Molly, born in Detroit, MI, was the daughter of Nora Tavalieri. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and went on to receive her BA in English at Oakland University, followed by an MFA in Creative Writing at West Virginia University. She was a poetry fellow at Emory University when she met Blake Butler, her husband of three years and partner for ten. Molly was a voracious and prolific writer, publishing work in dozens of magazines over two decades, as well as three chapbooks, a book of poetry which won the Iowa Poetry Prize, and a memoir, Bandit. Her unpublished writing includes multiple books that span across genres. In 2018, she was awarded an NEA grant for a nonfiction book project that allowed her travel to Poland to locate the site of her grandparents’ death in the Holocaust. Her second book of poetry, The Cipher, will be published this fall.

Molly was a devoted teacher of writing and literature who taught for fifteen years at numerous institutions, including Emory, Augusta State, SCAD, Georgia College, and Kennesaw State. She was committed to instigating students’ curiosity and critical imaginations while spreading a love of art, language, and the humanities. Her passion for teaching is reflected in the enormous impact she made on her students’ lives. She fought relentlessly to foster care and generate creativity in a difficult world.

She was also the founder and owner of Kookie House, which enabled her to share her incredible cakes and cookies with the world. She had a rare gift for blending fine art with an almost scientific love of creating new recipes to make fantastic confections. Her devotion to research and knowledge was clear not only in her writing and baking, but in her approach to the world, the environment, and humanity. She loved nature and caring for animals, especially her chickens. She had a beautiful heart and mind, and truly touched the lives of all who knew her.

Molly is survived by her husband, Blake Butler; her mother, Nora Tavalieri; a sister, Rebecca Gale; and her husband, Patrick Gale; a nephew, Xander Gale; and her friends and communities.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made as a celebration of Molly’s memory to the Environmental Defense Fund, https://www.edf.org.

Guest Book

A very beautiful and knowing soul we lost. I'm sorry the world let you down, Molly.

- na

Professor Brodak had a great impact in my life and school. I was her student. She really did challenge us to think bigger and brighter. You are one of the best professors I've ever encountered. I learned a lot from you. I'll always remember you. -S.L.

- na

I didn't know Molly, but I recently found her words. I read her obituary, wondered about this impressive person, and I followed a trail that led me to her musings on teaching. They affected me deeply and opened up my pedagogic mind almost immediately, which is such a rare gift. I am so sorry that she had to go. She seemed spectacular. She left so much for those of us who did not even know her, so I can imagine the way the hearts of those who knew her grieve. Rest and grieve in peace and understanding!

- na

My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I just learned of her passing and her work today. She was an amazing talent. Such a loss to the world. Sad.

- na

I was one of Molly's teachers at Rochester High School. You could see her immense talent early on, but it wasn't until I read her book that I understood her pain as well. As I mentioned to her once, I was able to feel wonderment, sadness, joy and laugh, all in the same book, a rare experience, indeed. She was a soft light in a sometimes angry world, and she will be missed.

- na

I am so sorry for your loss. Without ever knowing her, I am absolutely heartbroken. I learned about Molly Brodak in just the last few days... I will read everything she wrote-I suppose as a way to try to embrace her beautiful, honest, healing spirit. James Neville Port Washington, New York

- na

A beautiful young woman with a rare and wondrous talent. She brought light into our world. I wish my thoughts and prayers to all who loved her. Robert Cole

- na

She was a great person to me and all my friends that knew her. I would not be the same person without her and she will always be loved forever.

- na

Molly was my friend. She was hilarious, creative, brilliant and kind. Most of all, she was a magic person. I am so grateful to have known and collaborate with her in my formative years. She had a hand in shaping the person I am today. I will always be proud of and grateful for her. My love and thoughts go out to her mother, sister, partner and the rest of her friends and family. You will be greatly missed, Molly. Sincerely, Jesus "Jessey" Rivera

- na

Molly was a good friend. Had a great laugh and wonderful sense of humor. An artist and writer who I really respected and I am so glad that I had the chance to collaborate with her on a few projects. I'll always remember you fondly. Dan A.

- na

Many memories of our niece Molly. When our girls were little the cousins played together a lot and always had so much fun. Such a beautiful, accomplished young woman, gone too soon, you will be missed Molly. Love, Uncle Barry and Aunt Denise

- na

My darling daughter Molly was the light of my life. We enjoyed so many trips together and she learned to be a confident world traveler on her own. She gave tirelessly of her talents in baking and teaching but most of all in loving her family and friends. She will always be loved deeply in my heart.

- na

Molly was a great poet and a bright light in the world. Our thoughts go to her family and to Blake. -Kyle Minor

- na

Molly was a great colleague in the English Department at Augusta State, now Augusta University. I send my condolences to her loved ones and to all of the admirers of her poetry.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Grissom-Clark Funeral Home