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Virginia Brink Obituary

Viriginia R. Brink, 84, of Fairview Heights died Oct. 7, 2010, in her home.

She was born Virginia Rosemary Garland on Sept. 9, 1926, in Lawrence, Kan., a daughter of Samuel and Frances Matlock Garland.

Before retiring, Virginia worked in after-school programs at Grant Middle School and St. Albert's, both in Fairview Heights, where she cared for many children and youth who came to know and love her as "Grandma Brink." She also worked with the elderly at Charles Gardens. She loved working with people, second only to raising her own family.

It was the motto of Robert Murray McCheyne that one should, "Live so as to be missed." Ginny Brink surely did.

Ginny is survived by her husband of 62 years, Lester J. Brink; four sons, David J. Brink (wife, Robyn) of Sparta, Dean M. Brink of Millstadt, Tom A. Brink (wife, Cheryl) of Plantation, Fla., and Anthony J. Brink (wife, Kathy) of Troy; two daughters, Diane L. Brink of O'Fallon and and Mary Ann Hagen (husband, Larry) of Troy; a sister, Betty Ann Harrison (husband, Don) of Edina Mo.; and a brother, Robert Garland (wife, Wanda) of Quincy. She was "Grandma" to 16 grandchildren, "GG" to 16 great-grandchildren and Aunt Ginny to many nieces and nephews, hundreds of wonderful friends and her special bowling buddies.

Ginny, as she was known to her friends, was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Ramona Watson of Quincy; two sons, Douglas Robert Brink of Mascoutah and John Anthony Brink of Fairview Heights; and a daughter-in-law, Charlotte M. Brink, wife of Dean M. Brink.

SERVICES: 10 a.m. Monday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, with the Rev. Ray Schultz conducting. Graveside services and burial will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Calvary Cemetery.

VISITATION: 4-8 p.m. Sunday in Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights with a prayer service at 4 p.m.

MEMORIALS: Heartland Hospice

ARRANGEMENTS: Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights

WEBSITE: www.kasslyfuneral.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-Whig from Oct. 6 to Oct. 8, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Kim McClure

October 17, 2010

Lester and family,
Another beautiful spirit has left this world. When I think of Ginny, I have to smile. So many treasured memories... and I still make her Lasagna recipe she gave my mother, Loretta! I've added "Ginny's" in front of Lasagna on the card:)

My deepest sympathy,
Kim (Hattle) McClure

October 11, 2010

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a very special lady, always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. The world would be a better place if more people acted like she did.
Sincerely, Debbie Donze

Debbie Dozne

October 11, 2010

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a very special lady, always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. The world would be a better place if more people acted like she did.
Sincerely, Debbie Donze

October 11, 2010

We have had the privilege of friendship with David and Robyn, Ginny's son and daughter-in-law, but never the honor of meeting Ginny here on this earth, but looking so forward to meeting her in heaven. Praying for the family and loved ones during this time of great loss.
Gary and Angie Ridings

Laura Buettner

October 10, 2010

Ginny was one of the Sweetest ladies I have ever met! She took care of my boys for 10 years at St. Albert we Love her DEARLY!The World has lost a Beautiful person! The Buettner Family, Laura, Jeff, Dalton, Taylor

Monte and Gayle Johnson

October 10, 2010

We were sorry to hear of Ginny's passing. She was always a joy to be around. What a sweet spirit!Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Brink family at this time.

Terra Mueth

October 9, 2010

I was one of the students at Grant who loved Grandma Brink. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. She has made an impact on the lives of many, many children. She will truely be missed.

Cathy Portell

October 9, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. Ginny was an awesome lady. She always had a smile on her face and a song in her heart. I bowled with her for several years and she always greeted me with a hug and a "how are you doing today?"! She will be missed. She made a difference in our days!

Debi Wilson

October 9, 2010

So sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts.

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