Laura B. Brigida, 94, passed away on Monday, July 23. Devoted mother of Carol Goodwin (Ed), Joyce Whiting (Jan), Marie Whiting (David), Jayne Siever (John) and Peter Brigida (Sheila). She was grandmother to 20 and great-grandmother to 31. She was also the sister of the late Robert Paoletti, Mary Diegoli and Eva Roy. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter, in 1962, her grandson, Tommy Siever, in 2003 and her granddaughter's husband, Chris Oosterhuis 4 weeks ago. Laura was a graduate of Plymouth High School, Class of 1941, where she excelled academically.
Widowed at age 38, Laura devoted her life to her 5 children. She was a courageous, independent and progressive example to them throughout her life. She was employed as a teacher's aide at Hedge Elementary School and later by the U. S. Postal Service. In 1977, while still working at the post office, Laura purchased Pilgrim's Progress Clothing and joined her children full time in the store in 1982. Laura accompanied her daughter Jayne and her son Peter on buying trips to New York. Her taste level and innate style influenced the direction of the store. Laura's presence added a valued opinion, a sense of warmth and bouts of laughter to the Pilgrim's Progress experience, as much loved Renee could attest. She retired from Pilgrim's Progress last July at the age of 93.
Laura was a culinary legend, creating great feasts from her tiny kitchen. These holiday gatherings provided not just sumptuous food, but lasting memories for her entire family. She found a way to make every member of her large family feel valued, supported and most of all loved. We knew she was proud of us. She was a dignified and extraordinary matriarch who was cherished by her family.
Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street. Burial will be private. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, July 29 at 3:00 pm at Southers Marsh Golf Club, 30 Southers Marsh Lane in Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom C. Siever Charitable Foundation, 22 Darling Road, Plymouth, MA 02360.