Vanessa Gay “Pete” Brandom of Liberty, Missouri, died unexpectedly on February 4, 2025. She was beloved by her family and friends, who were shocked and saddened by her sudden death. She was only 69 years old.
 Vanessa was born in Cowgill, Missouri, to Kenneth and Verla Wormsley. She attended Braymer High School and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with degrees in education and coaching. She loved sports, and she played softball and basketball in high school and college. She was also a big fan of the KC Royals and KC Chiefs.
 For 33 years, Vanessa was a dedicated English teacher at North Kansas City High School, where she particularly enjoyed teaching Shakespeare. After retirement, Vanessa was the Office Manager for the Ethnic Enrichment Commission, where she worked for ten years.
 Vanessa embraced the American Indian Community, attending numerous powwows and other ethnic events with her husband and son, who are enrolled members of the Cherokee Nation.
 She was a loving wife and mother, who appreciated spending time with her family and friends, and enjoyed politics, live music, theater, travel, and recently, bowling.
 Vanessa is survived by her husband of 32 years, Tom Brandom; son, Tommy Brandom and his girlfriend, Courtney, of Liberty; daughter, Mary Naggs, her husband Josh, and their son and her grandson, Walter, of Volcano, Hawaii; daughter, Catherine Brandom of San Diego, California; brother, Robb Wormsley of Polo, Missouri; brother-in-law, Jimmy Bussard of Pattonsburg, Missouri; and Blue, their beloved Standard Schnauzer.
 Vanessa was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Valorie Bussard, of Pattonsburg; and her brother, Roger Wormsley, of Cowgill.
 A celebration of Vanessa’s life is being planned for March.
 Memorial donations may be made in Vanessa’s name to the Kansas City Indian Center.
 Arrangements are under the direction of Church Archer Pasley Funeral Home, 816-781-2000.