Julia Ann Dreyer Brigden

1948 - 2024

Julia Ann Dreyer Brigden
12/29/1948 - 10/26/2024
Julia Brigden passed away on October 26, in her home, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with cancer. Affectionately known as, "Girl," Julia was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. She moved to the United States at a young age, where she grew up in Sausalito, Calif. Julia's adventurous spirit was evident from her teenage years, when she made friends with musicians and artists and ran away briefly to Mexico, seeking excitement and new experiences, as she chronicled in her 2019 self-published memoir, "Girl: An Untethered Life."
Julia was married to Mick Brigden from 1987 until his death in 2021. She was previously married to David Freiberg, an original member of Quicksilver Messenger Service, from 1965 to 1979. She was a loving mother to her two children, Jessica Merz and Jack Brigden; and a doting grandmother to her grandson, David Merz.
As a muse to several musicians in the 1960s and 1970s, she was the subject of a handful of songs, including "Quicksilver Girl" by the Steve Miller Band, "Light Your Windows" by Quicksilver Messenger Service, "The Girl With No Name" by The Byrds, and "Jane" by Jefferson Starship.
Julia was known for her intelligence, beauty, athletic competitiveness, free spirit, and love of chocolate. Her independent and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a lifelong, avid international traveler, often choosing destinations off the beaten path. As a master organic gardener, she cultivated beauty and life wherever she went. Although she never had pets as a child due to her mother's severe allergies, as an adult she loved having cats, dogs, and chickens. A true lover of life, Julia was loath to harm insects, rodents, or snakes. She was a warm and caring sister and served as the Dreyer-Brigden family's lynchpin after her mother, Silvia Cowell Dreyer's, passing in 1995. She had a flair for language, spoke French and Spanish, and was always ready with a witty aside or hilarious remark. Her kindness and humor stayed with her throughout her illness.
"As for my childhood dreams, they didn't play out exactly as I had imagined, but they are close enough. Together Mick and I have explored the jungles of the Amazon and Papua New Guinea. We've camped in tents under African skies, traveled six of the seven continents, and slept on silken sheets. I had imagined these things, and Mick helped make them happen.
I have led a charmed life, perfectly suited to my nature. I fear the next time around, if there is a next time, to pay penance I will return as a street sweeper in Calcutta." - Excerpt from Girl: An Untethered Life
Julia is survived by her children; grandson; and brothers, Christian, Geoffrey and Thomas; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews. Julia was predeceased by her husband, Mick Brigden; parents, John St. Ormond Dreyer and Silvia Ann Cowell; and brothers, Neil Malloch and Jonathan Dreyer.
A private memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Sonoma County in her honor.