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Joan Brigham Obituary
She was born in New London, on Sept. 24, 1931, the daughter of Henry and Clara (Wilbur) Dougherty.
Joan was married to Donald James Brigham Sr. on Aug. 9, 1952, at St. Mary's Church in New London.
Joan attended Waterford schools and graduated from the former Chapman Technical High School. She had worked as a school bus driver for the Waterford school system for 44 years. She was an avid animal lover.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her sons, Gary E. Brigham and wife, Carlina, and Donald J. Brigham Jr., all of Waterford; her daughter, Dianne Louise Mugovero and husband, David, of Uncasville; and five grandchildren, Gary Brigham Jr., Jennifer Brigham Monahan, Racheal Mugovero, Sarah Mugovero Reynolds, Heidi Brigham Roach; and her six great-grandchildren, Quinn, Jace, Brody, Max, Caroline, and Gage.
She was predeceased by a brother, James Dougherty and a grandson, Daniel Brigham.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Stephen Johnson, Dr. Richard Hellman, and the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut.
Funeral service and interment in Jordan Cemetery are private.
Byles Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Contributions in her memory may be directed to the Center for Hospice Care SE CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 or the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Brigham
January 26, 2014
JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS DAILY.
MICKI AND MARTIN
linda nichols
January 24, 2014
Sorry for your loss---Joan was a great person and a diligent bus driver---she taught me how to drive and my son shared birthday date with her---fondly linda Nichols--maine
Matt Condon & Family
January 24, 2014
My prayers and thoughts are with you in your loss, so many of us have been touched by this wonderful lady. We will miss her
Linda and Debbie Von Winkle-Tomaszek
January 23, 2014
Don and the Brigham Family
So very sorry for you loss. May your special angel watch over all of you during this difficult time and all your happy memories be with you all. Our prayers are with you.
I remember "Mrs. Brigham" as I called her when she drove me to school in the 60's as a very special respected bus drive who loved children. I was very fortunate when our paths crossed again at Dunkin Donuts Saturday mornings after so many years and she was introduced to my daughter "Have a Sparkling Morning" (Debbie). Joan is a very special angel who will be missed by us all.
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Megan
January 23, 2014
With caring thoughts and heartfelt condolences.
roni bookman
January 23, 2014
Words can not express my sorrow. God took a true angel home. Love and prayers to you all. Love Roni and Tom Bookman
January 23, 2014
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to each of you. Waterford has lost a wonderful lady, and we grieve with you.
Love, Curt & Judy Carlough
Bill and Jane Holloway
January 22, 2014
Sorry four your loss
Brad and Joann Kerr
January 22, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Bob & Patty Buttermore (Maynard )
January 22, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Tony & Ann Gigliotti
January 22, 2014
Brigham Family,
So sorry to read of the loss of a sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be strong.
KATHY FARRELL
January 22, 2014
Jen..I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Kathy Farrell
Bill and Jane Holloway
January 22, 2014
We are Both Sorry for your Loss
Denny & Janet Miceli
January 21, 2014
Dianne & David, Racheal, Sarah, and families: In your sorrow may you be comforted by the many friends and family who remember Joan with loving thoughts. Sorry we are not able to be there for you at this time. With sympathy,
Carol Jo Shpak
January 21, 2014
My thoughts are with you. Hugs.
tammy larochelle
January 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Joan and I drove schoolbus together and she was such a wonderful woman. Sincerely, Tammy larochelle, kristal and brian simon jr.
David Deckler
January 21, 2014
Gary Don & Gary Jr.&The Entire Brigham Family, Sorry to hear of your loss Joan lived a Full Life with Family And Friends!Take It 1Day @ A Time!!
Ken Swaney and family
January 21, 2014
She will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her. We are so sorry for your loss.
Anne Viens
January 21, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. Joan was a great gal. My sincere sympathy to all of the Brigham family.
January 21, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family of Joan she was such a lovely lady..Joan a,lvie
Tom Heatley
January 21, 2014
My mother, Catherine, drove bus and worked with Joan for many years. She thought highly of Joan and loved working with her at Monroe Transportation in Waterford.
January 21, 2014
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your mom,wife
Grandmother.Joan was a lovely lady.
Joan alfiero
January 21, 2014
MY THOUGH ARE WITH THE BRIGHAM FAMILY.JOAN I WILL MISS YOU. LOVE YOU.CAROLE.
Rebecca Lumbroso
January 21, 2014
Jenn & family -
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Beverly Swanson
January 21, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the entire Brigham. Mrs. Brigham was a lovely lady and will be greatly missed.
Roberta Samuels Bottley
January 21, 2014
Dianne and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss,my deepest sympathy,I will always have fond memories of my growing up around such a nice family and a great Mom
Sandy Kenniston
January 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers to the Brigham family during this tough time. May you trust that she is at peace now.
The Kenniston Family
Trish DuBois & family
January 21, 2014
Aunt Diane, Uncle David, Sarah and Rachael, I'm so sorry for your loss. Words are meaningless in times like these, but many thoughts and prayers are sent your way. May your memories sustain you in this sorrowful time. Xoxoo
Gil Maffeo
January 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Brigham family. I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Brigham you were such a kind person, you will be missed.
Kim & Greg Gallup
January 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brigham family at this sad and difficult time. May the love and memories help you through ... Joan is now your angel above. God bless and love to you all, The Gallup's
Caroline
January 21, 2014
I loved her like my own grandma. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Im thankful to have known such a wonderful woman and I will truly miss her. I will fight though these tears and rememebr her with a smile on my face because that is what she would want. Rest Peacefully Grandma. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Maureen Grohocki
January 21, 2014
Jenn & Brigham Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. I know she meant alot to you. My prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time. God Bless you Maureen & Bill Grohocki
Mary Anne Alfieri
January 21, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Diana Oldroyd
January 21, 2014
To the entire Brigham family,
Please accept our deespest and sincere sympathy. Joan was a strong and wonderful person and a friend to many. May she be your guiding light and angel above. God bless you all,
John and Diana Oldroyd
Marilyn G. Davis
January 21, 2014
Donald,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the family. So sorry to read of Joan's passing this . I will say a prayer for her and you also this morning. Joan and I go way back to our High School years at Chapman Tech.
January 21, 2014
The Perrone family are sad to hear of your loss. May the memories and love for your family help you through your time of sadness. You are in out thoughts and prayers.
Perrone Family...
Kimmy Perkins
January 21, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Joan was a good woman and will be remembered by many. Please know you are in my thoughts and Prayers.
Kristine Wayman
January 21, 2014
Thinking of and sending prayers for you all. Miss you and love you.-Kris
January 21, 2014
So sorry for your loss Tina stage Waterford
Cindy Weiss
January 21, 2014
Gary and Carlina, my deepest sympathy to you. What a huge loss for you and your family. Needless to say, I saw your mom every school day for years. I was so impressed at how this little lady had total control over our massive group. It was also clearly evident that she cared deeply about each and every child, especially you Gary. May Mrs. Brigham rest in peace. Godspeed. Cindy Weiss
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