Birth date: Oct 19, 1919 Death date: Dec 28, 2017
Mildred Gaia Brignole, 98, of Memphis, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017. She was preceded in death by her loving husband whom she married in 1942, Harold Johnson Brignole, brothers; Frank “Bud” Gaia and Jack Gaia, and a Read Obituary
I enjoyed my time with Mildred at Resurrection counting the collection on Sundays. She was sharp and full of life. 98 years – what a blessing to have her with you for so long. We will keep her and all the family in our thoughts and prayers. Sandra ( Miekicki) Fischl and Claudia (Miekicki) Baker
I hate to disappoint you guys, but Mildred was more cool than any of her offspring; you all have a hard act to follow. How fortunate that you were blessed with such a wonderful role model.
A Tribute to Mildred Brignole from her childrenOur mother died comfortably and with characteristic independence on December 28th in her own home at the age of 98. We feel blessed to have had her with us so long, and we are grateful that her lively spirit and energy, mischievous sense of humor, and sharp intelligence remained undimmed until her final few weeks.In a large family like ours, it was important that each of us knew who Mom’s favorite child was. We all knew because she listened patiently as anyone broached the subject and prompted her for the “correct” answer, and she never disagreed with us. However, Mom always ended the discussion by noting that, “Each of you is special in your own way.” (Most of us had no trouble ignoring that last part of the dialog.)As we look back now on her life, we remember her catch-phrase affectionately, and we use it in conversation among ourselves as a way to tease each other or to make light of our very different attributes and attitudes. But, the notion of each person being different yet valuable can be viewed as reflecting our mother’s core personality, her prime motivation for the way she lived her life, and her most important lessons for us. For, as quiet a person as she was on the exterior, Mildred Brignole was open and fully engaged in the world of people around her.Beyond the specialness in the immediate family, Mom was amused and fascinated by people, and she sought out the specialness in each one. We Brignole children have often heard her say, “Isn’t it remarkable that there are so many persons in the world, and every individual is different!” Although small of stature and not obviously outgoing, Mom engaged people with sincerity and interest. When Mom talked to you, you knew she was giving you all her attention. Her presence in the moment—whether talking with children, teenagers, or adults, with relatives or with complete strangers—has been mentioned by many over the years.Mom loved to learn and not just about people. She was captivated by astronomy and the birth of the universe, by human history, by the workings of the brain. She was not intimidated by what she didn’t know, but thrilled: “It’s such a wonder!” she’d say.But, perhaps most indearingly, Mildred was a woman with a warm sense of humor. She delighted in recounting her and our father’s relief after the seven of us had passed beyond childhood and left the house: “At least, they each have jobs, and none of them are in jail.” And, just several weeks ago, one of Mom’s caregiving nurses offered Mom a snack saying, “It’s time for lunch. Do you want a little something to eat?” Mom responded in mock defiance, “And what if I don’t?” So, even as her world shrank, she was able to make fun of her situation, calling attention to the obvious—that by then she had very few choices any more about anything. We should all hope to be as mischievously humorous at the age of 98.Thank you for your interest in our mother.With Love, Hal Brignole, Don Brignole, Denise Lenahan, Guy Brignole, Celia Swan, Lauren Brignole, and Chris Brignole
Dear Family, This is a sad time for us all, a time for reflection and gratitude. I will feel Millie’s presence and support for the rest of my life. She was my role model. I want to be just like her when I grow up. I was the original “interloper” in the Brignole family. Fifty-one years ago soon after we met, when HaI told Millie and Big Hal of our plans to be together, she welcomed me into the family with kindness and grace. She supported me and had confidence in me, and that gave me confidence in myself, as I strived to raise two young kids and an unruly husband—you all know how much trouble Hal Jr. can be. She propped me up when I felt down, reassuring me with her Millie-isms that all would be well, or at least work out to a semi-satisfactory conclusion. She taught me to hold my loved ones close in my heart, but free them to take their own paths and follow their own dreams. She supported and encouraged Hal and I to move to New Zealand and begin a new chapter in our lives. I will forever be thankful for her generosity. She was my mother and friend. With my love and deepest gratitude, I say good-bye to you, Millie. I will be thinking and talking about you for years to come—and that’s the way you would have liked it.Helen the First 30 December 2017
Jane, Don and family, so sorry for your loss. Praying for the repose of Mildred and comfort and strength for the family.
