Obituaries

When I had Ms. Thomas for Keyboarding last semester, I had fun. We did what we had to do while she did what she had to do. We'd listen to music while getting our work done and we'd share stories and have fun... When I heard of her passing, I denied it. I walked up to her classroom, thinking everything was normal and she was still here and that's when reality slapped me in the face. And I guess I'm still in denial. She restored my faith in humanity. Her positivity, optimism, and bright energy filled a void I thought impossible to fill. It feels like instead of one part of me fading away, a new one is being nourished and she's become a part of me. As if that new part of me is being nourished by her spirit. Because of her and her kindness, I'm in a better place than I was last year. She'll be missed. From my family to yours, we are so sorry for your loss.

Posted by Kersten Warrick on March 2, 2023

Dear Brigid, I was a childhood classmate and grade school friend of Brigid at St. Patrick’s Elementary. I was a new student at the school when I arrived in fourth grade, and I will always remember how especially lovely, kind, gentle, and cool Brigid was; her bobbed haircut and her black glasses, the Esprit book bag, Benetton sweaters, penny loafers, and can’t forget that massive landmark house we all thrilled to look upon right there on Main St. I was lucky to know Brigid when we were just kids in grades 4-8; that is how I will always remember her. We were there sitting together and wept when the Challenger space shuttle disaster happened right before our 10-year-old eyes, live on TV on a frigid January morning. We were there all together when we sang “We Are the World” for our fourth-grade spring concert and again in 8th grade when we had our first musical play on the St. Pat’s auditorium stage, “Teen II: The Musical” (no doubt a low budget High School Musical precursor) We were there all together when we had church every morning before school (at least it felt like every morning, and I miss those days), where we’d sing “and he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.” And Brigid, I will always remember the magnificent crown of baby’s breath flowers and roses you wore when we received our first Holy Communion a few years earlier. 😇🙏🏻🌹 We were all together for our first school dances; for our Christmas holiday program, where we sang “Jingle Bell Rock” and had to dance with a boy! (Gasp - of course, I got stuck with Joe Farrell 🙄 (no offense, Joe) I think maybe you danced with John Keenan or Robby Kerrigan); our JV basketball games; and singing Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” at the top of our lungs. I will treasure all these precious memories of childhood when I think of you, my friend, Brigid Suraci. Dear Brigid, it is clear from the beautiful words written by others and the loving legacy you left behind what a gem you continued to be into adulthood. Our paths didn’t cross again after 8th-grade graduation in 1989, but it is still with a heavy heart that I received the news of your passing today. I wept very much and am incredibly and deeply saddened to hear of your passing. I feel cheated that I’ll never get to see you at a St. Pat’s elementary school reunion nor reminisce about what we’ve all been up to over the past 35 years. I would have loved to have chatted with you about being fellow educators and the joy (and sometimes not so much joy, ha-ha) we are blessed to experience from working in that vocation. I am heartbroken for your friends, coworkers, students, and especially your dear family for the unbearable grief your absence leaves in this world. May God continue to bless your beautiful soul. I know one day we will meet again to share stories of our “being adults” adventures, and just for you, Brigid, I’ll even wear my Benetton sweater and penny loafers. 😉 God bless you, beautiful girl. May he make you to shine like the sun… and hold you… hold you in the palm…. of his hand. 🎶💕🙏🏻🤲🏻 Dina (Piepoli) Udomsak St. Patrick’s Elementary School Class of ‘89

Posted by Dina Piepoli Udomsak on March 1, 2023

My deepest condolences to Bridgid’s family, friends, peers who, and students. Bridges and I worked together for many years during the 1990s. Her positive, caring, kind, and bouncy personality made her the fresh breath of air wherever she was. She was a blessing from God for everyone fortunate to be part of her life.

Posted by Edie A Sicher on February 27, 2023

Bridgid gave her everything to everyone. She will be forever missed as long as I have a breath in me. She was one of my sisters just not by blood. I love you and miss you our newest angel 👼 ❤️💔

Posted by Michele Connor on February 27, 2023

I just want to start off saying Ms.Thomas was the best teacher I ever had for keyboarding .I had her for freshman year and not knowing moving into a new environment was hard she made the whole class room so much better she smiles with me asking if I ever needed anything I could feel her light shining through even in the darkest day.Although I had just a few days in the last quarter since we have to move quarters I really enjoy her class.So I had it in my junior year 2nd semester (which was just last year) my heart is very heavy because I remember when I first walked in she would let everyone talk with each other and make everyone comfortable and her little paper keyboarding fun quiz she made us take not knowing that would be my last chance to ever do such a fun thing with her.She would let us go on walks throughout the school to help us call our self’s.she would also let us pick a song and her smile would always shine everyday I seen her.she said hello to me in the hallways I felt so happy seeing her everyday first period was my light and joy.she would put on shark tank letting us watch and type giving us breaks in between.Knowing her passing was such a heartbreaking think, I am still in disbelief that such a wonderful teacher/person was taken from us so soon. My deep consent to her family. She will be a angel through heaven shining her smile down on us because she’s the most kind and loving teacher I would ever meet.Losing her was so hard the school isn’t the same anymore without her.Even the teacher Ms. Antonio she goes to visit everyday making her laugh makes my day since she would come up to me asking if I ever needed anything I don’t have to ask.I even asked her for any extra credit for the class without hesitation she offers me so fast smiles at me and ask me if I ever have any questions she’s here for me. May you rest in peace Ms.Thomas we miss you so much.

Posted by One of her dearest students on February 27, 2023

On behalf of the Gilroy and Haggerty families, we would like to convey our condolences on the loss of your family member, Bridgid. My father was Frank Gilroy and was the lead salesman at Parodi Cigar for many years until his retirement. My sister Patti worked there while in high school as well. Furthermore, my Mom lived in the same apartment building as Mary Murtaugh on Washington Ave. for many years. We got to know Mary so well and always enjoyed her company. Mary loved her granddaughter so very much and talked about her often. Please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Eileen Gilroy Haggerty on February 27, 2023

To the Suraci family, Our condolences to you all. Our prayers and mourning are with you during this tough time. We hope the joy of family surrounding you now celebrating the life and great things Brigid meant to you all helps ease some of the grief filling your hearts.

Posted by The Schlosser Families on February 27, 2023

Frank and Family, Please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your sister. Thoughts and prayers to your entire family. May she rest in peace.

Posted by Renee-Gus-Amanda-Aaron DePietro on February 27, 2023

We are so sorry to hear about this heartbreaking loss. Bridgid was a bright light, she will continue to shine in Heaven. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Love and prayers.

Posted by Jim & Claudine Gaughan on February 27, 2023

I had Ms. Thomas freshman year for keyboarding, as well as for study hall. Every time I walked into the room, I felt a sort of joy because I knew she was always looking out for me and had my best interests in mind. She always smiled at me no matter what, and likewise. She was always asking for music recommendations and playing silly movies for us. I saw how much she truly cared for her students and wanted them to be happy. I'm going to miss her so much; she was a light in my day that never will fade. My condolences to her family and friends.

Posted by Anonymous on February 26, 2023

I had Ms. Thomas freshman year for investing she was always so happy and sweet, a bright shining light. She was a wonderful teacher who was always willing to help. She will be greatly missed.

Posted by Anonymous on February 25, 2023

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I did notvhave a chance to get to know Bridgid as I just started at the school. Its very sad to hear she is no longer with us and it touch my heart to know she passed away. Hearing her students talk about her and how they will miss her truly touched my heart. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time of sadness.

Posted by Anonymous on February 25, 2023

Whenever I think of teachers who have had a large impact on my life Ms. Thomas comes directly to mind. I had Ms. Thomas for sophomore year for English and she was the first teacher to ever recommend me for an honors course. Ms. Thomas made me realize that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. If it wasn't for her, then I wouldn't have realized my potential. I am forever thankful for her. Miss Thomas would put everyone (especially her students) before her. I remember her always guiding me in the right direction, and making sure I felt comfortable in everything I did. She was always so sweet and kind, and always had a smile on her face. She would brighten everyone's day with her sense of humor and radiating positively. I remember one day she asked me what I go for christmas, and she was so excited just because I was so excited! Even after high school Miss Thomas still made an impact on my life. She would come into where I worked and all my colleagues would always tell me that she would say the most wonderful things about me. She would only ever see the greatness in everyone she met and I have only heard her say excellent things about others. Never would I thought losing one of my teachers would be so hard, but Miss Thomas just had a special spark to her that I wish everyone had. Prayers and condolences to her family. I hope you swim in all the positive memories you shared together, and remember that she will always be with you, especially when you need her the most. Just know that she is so loved by so many. May she rest in eternal peace and happiness as she truly deserves.

Posted by Anonymous on February 25, 2023

Please accept our very deepest condolences. Bridgid was certainly a bright light for everyone around her. May she rest peacefully & may her family and friends find comfort in their happy memories of her. 💔

Posted by Bob & Maria Wheatley on February 25, 2023

When I lived in Clark’s Summit, I was a frequent substitute teacher for Bridgid. She lit up the room when she entered. Everyone loved her(staff and students both) and I had so much respect for her. She was a dedicated teacher with an amazing personality. She will be greatly missed.

Posted by Mary Ann Fischbach on February 25, 2023

Ms Thomas was my English teacher during my sophomore year of high school. I remember her spunk from the very first day I met her. She truly cared for all of her students and only wanted us to succeed in every aspect of life. She often times would tell us stories about her life and remind us that mistakes make us whole. She was one of the teachers that had inspired me to become a teacher myself. The memories I have of her will continue to inspire me. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. She was a wonderful woman who left quite an impact on her students. May she rest in eternal peace.

Posted by Margaret Hall on February 25, 2023

Ms Thomas was my English teacher during my sophomore year of high school. I remember her spunk from the very first day I met her. She truly cared for all of her students and only wanted us to succeed in every aspect of life. She often times would tell us stories about her life and remind us that mistakes make us whole. She was one of the teachers that had inspired me to become a teacher myself. The memories I have of her will continue to inspire me. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. She was a wonderful woman who left quite an impact on her students. May she rest in eternal peace.

Posted by Margaret Hall on February 25, 2023

Mrs. Thomas was my keyboarding (typing) instructor in high school. I remember her kind and generous spirit. One day, as we passed each other in a hallway, she said hello and offered me a Kit Kat; I took it. She had such a sense of humor; she was a fan of a satirical Stephen Colbert cartoon segment I did voiceover work for that was called “Laser Klan”, which I emailed to her one day. She liked it not only because it featured my voice , but also that of Amy Sedaris, whom she said was one of her favorite comedians. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to her loved ones. She was such a kind person and left an impact on scores of people who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues and students.

Posted by Hunter Hildebrand on February 24, 2023