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Gina Briefs-Elgin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gina Briefs-Elgin
Donna Woodford-Gormley
June 4, 2012
Gina is dearly missed at Highlands and especially at the writing center, which we now call the Regina Briefs-Elgin Writing Center. Her sweet spirit and her unfailing optimism touched many people here. Students still remember her fondly, and I miss my colleague and friend.
May 1, 2012
Gina had the purest heart of anybody I knew while attending Highlands. It was always a pleasure to be near her, and I admired her optimism and dedication. A beautiful human being.
January 21, 2012
Every time I hear my little chimes ring that Gina sent me as a thankyou for working in the Writing Center, I think of her. My husband hung them right outside our bedroom window, and though the wind doesn't blow much in Oregon, once in a while they sing out and I see Gina's face and feel her blessings. I didn't know she had died until a fellow-writing-center friend told me today. Oh, what a loss. My heart has a hole in it right now, but I'm also sad for all the students and fellow-teachers who aren't going to get to know this wise, funny, hard-working, generous lady. I remember sitting with her one evening when we had no-shows at the Writing Center and she told me her story about Venice. When she was just a child, it came to her attention that Venice was sinking. She went on a true Gina-campaign, making posters and flyers begging donations to "Save Venice From Sinking." She went from door to door, gathering coins!
She wrote beautifully. She and I shared some of our writings, and she was not only generous with praise but picked out the very things that needed attention...a most astute reader with so many comments scribbled all over every page. As an English teacher, I know that commentary equals work. She seemed happy to work for me or for anyone she thought she could help. A true blessing to be so "read," a true blessing to have sat and talked with such a person.
I asked her for a photograph after moving here, and she sent one, not so long ago, that has been on my refrigerator ever since it came. I often look at her and think, Oh, Gina, you sweet lady. How much I miss you!
Well, at least she was in my life for a while. What a gift. She was as beautiful as a drop of rain clinging to a bamboo shoot, sparkling with reflected sun....Raindrops have to fall, though while you look at them, you see a bit of God.
It is a less beautiful, less wonderful world without her. I am grieving her loss.
Xaver, and husband of Gina, I know how she loved you. She even invited me to come and be with all of you. I should have. I'm afraid I thought she'd live forever, and it's not fair she was taken. I'm so sorry. Love Ann O'Neal Garcia, writing center tutor for seven years.
Sheriff Yilmaz
September 4, 2011
I was an international student at NMHU and although I did not take a class with Dr. Briefs, I often had the chance to talk to her. She was the kindest person and the most helpful teacher. I was stuck with my thesis since it had countless grammatical errors. Even though Dr. Briefs was not in my thesis committee (I was not even in her department at that time), when I approached her for her help towards the end of the semester when things were all hectic, she offered her help to me and read the whole thesis for me, indicating all the mistakes, minor and major. Her help enabled me to graduate in time. At that time, I witnessed how Dr. Briefs keep her words, help every student in need regardless of their department, and be an inspiration to them. I will deeply miss Dr. Briefs and she will remain a teacher to me forever. May God bless her soul.
William Craig Rice
August 24, 2011
Dear Lee,
I just learned this sad news, which stops me in my tracks even as it takes me back many years to our last gathering in Santa Fe not long after you two began your life there. I can only imagine the strength you found to get through these months since your great loss. Please know that a distant friend (in years) wishes you yet more strength, such as Gina gave to others. I have a beautiful photograph of you and Gina with baby and Mrs. Briefs (1984?) and now there is a lovely video about India--so perfectly herself there, your dear departed wife. So many memories all now must be bound together as in a book, an elegant and moving book, generous to readers, poised in prose and poetry, open in every sense. With my sympathy, Bill Rice
Kevin Farkas
July 16, 2011
My condolences, Xaver and Lee. I’d known Gina for the past 20 years as a professor, mentor, colleague, and friend. Her legacy will by long lasting. She was remarkably sensitive, considerate, and respectful of her students and peers—among whom she distinguished herself. Gina was more than my professional advisor; she was also a role model and constant reminder to be kind as an educator. I always found inspiration in her humanity and her spirit touches me still.
Brie Chapman
June 30, 2011
Dear Xaver and Lee,
Gina was such a joy and inspiration for me. I knew her at the Street Outreach Program. She always had such a beautiful and entertaining way of telling the tales of her life. Her presence in my life will be greatly missed. I looked forward to her every volunteer shift! She had such a true lust for life that I very muched admired and aspire to. She was a blessing in my life and the life of all the clients and workers at Street Outreach. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Terry & Jill Fernandez
June 25, 2011
Dear Lee,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Gina's passing. May your memories help ease your grief.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Steven Davis
June 18, 2011
Lee and Xaver, I have just learned of Gina’s passing. Gina was one of the best people I have known, and it was an honor and pleasure to work with her. Lee, I only met you a couple of times, years ago, and sometimes wished I knew you more. Xaver, I knew you as a little kid who sometimes accompanied your mom to the Writing Center at Highlands, where I worked as her colleague, and where you steadfastly defended your right to your own name, without an “i.” More power to you. To you both, I know you enriched Gina’s life. I am sorry for your loss, and I wish you all the best.
Steven Davis
Blaire McPherson
June 14, 2011
Dear Mr. Elgin and Xaver,
Gina was my workplace friend and confidante at NMHU in the early 2000s. She always had a cup of tea and a packet of Quaker Oats for me on a bad day. Or a good one.
Summer, and New Mexico burns again. But the world's a little colder without Gina.
Thinking of you.
Judy Herzl
June 11, 2011
Dear Lee and Xavier,
I just learned of Gina's death today and am quite heartbroken.She was an exceptional person, and I feel grateful to have known her. I send my prayers and thoughts to both of you. May the blessings of your years together support you both in this time of loss.
Russ Whiting
June 8, 2011
As a mentor and friend, Gina encouraged me as a writer, helped me grow as a teacher, and infused us all with a sense of joy for life. I have kept the graduate school papers she commented on as examples of how to be a good teacher and refer to them often as I now teach my students. I will always miss her, the sticky notes on her doorknob, the piles of papers she needed to grade placed as obstacles on her office floor so she wouldn't forget to take them home, the way she made me feel up to the task, whatever it was. I wish I could tell her all these things now. Maybe I just did.
Avery Kerr
June 7, 2011
Dear Xaver and Lee,
Please know that I'm thinking of you both. Gina's life serves as a testimony to her great passions and interests. She held you two in her highest regard and deepest love. She will be missed by many!
Annie Wilson
June 7, 2011
Lee and Xaver,
My sincere condolences to both of you. I had the pleasure of meeting Gina during my tenure at Dr. Steffy's office. What a beautiful soul. I enjoyed her smiles and warm heart. I am richer for knowing her. My best to you during these difficult times.
Dan & Margaret Johnson
June 7, 2011
For all the inspiration and joy, Gina, I thank you. You are never far from our thoughts.
Our hearts go out to the family and extended family at this time of loss. The world can ill afford the loss of so compassionate a friend.
Dan & Margaret Johnson
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