Maria Brazill

1952 - 2018

NORTHAMPTON – Maria Brazil (Mia) E. – 66 years young – died suddenly in her sleep on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018.

She is survived by her husband Mark Eckstein, daughters Devin Brazill Eckstein (and husband Leonardo Saraceno), Jordan Brazill Eckstein (and partner Miles Harlow), granddaughter Thea Bari Saraceno, mother Regina Brazill (and husband Les Yoos), brothers William Brazill (and wife Teri) and Mark Brazill (and wife Shelley), and sister-in-law Susan Hirschfeld Eckstein, by Paul Winslow and Roseanne Winslow Murphy who were like a brother and sister to her, by Brazill and Barry, cousins too numerous to mention but whom she loved dearly, and by nieces and nephews and grandniece and grandnephews galore for whom she relished the role of "Aunt Mia" and whom she also loved with all of her heart. Her heart was huge, her love was given freely and in enormous doses.

She joins her father William J. Brazill, her brother Barry Brazill, and her brother-in-law Barry Eckstein in whatever world or dimension exists after we pass on. She was born in New York State, and experienced much, growing up in New York, Georgia, Florida and Ohio. Her constant thirst for knowledge and love of literature led her to a BA in English, an MA in English, and an MS in Library Science. Her career as a Librarian at UMass, Amherst, the South Kingstown (Rhode Island) Public Library, and Smith College (Northampton) created numerous friendships, all of whom she held dear. In life she strove to fill the lives of others with joy, adventure and hope, and her death leaves a gaping hole in the world.

A gathering to celebrate her life will be held in Sylvan Beach, New York, where she spent her summers growing up and which held a special place in her heart. Join us on Sept.r 22, 2018 at the Sylvan Beach Union Chapel, between 1 and 3 p.m. to cry, to laugh, to remember and to say goodbye.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.