In Memory of

Alma

Brigham

(Fontanella)

Obituary for Alma Brigham (Fontanella)

Alma Elizabeth Fontanella Brigham, Jan. 12, 1927 to Oct. 16, 2018, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully at home in South Windsor.

Born in Stafford Springs, Alma was the daughter of A. Geno Fontanella and Marina (Panciera) Fontanella. Alma was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Rodney L. Brigham; her siblings, A. John Fontanella, Elvina (Fontanella) Neff, and Robert Fontanella; and her son, Frank M. Brigham.

She was always a very independent person and enjoyed her working years at Aetna, Brigham Lumber, the emergency room at Rockville Hospital, and later at the Visiting Nurse Association in Vernon, where she finally retired at age 70, having made many longtime friends.

On June 2, 1956, Alma married Rodney L. Brigham, and they raised their four children in Ellington. She is survived by Christine and her husband, Ross Skelly, and their children, Kristen (Skelly) Church and her husband, John Church, Erin Skelly, and Brian Skelly; Carol and her husband, Stephen Kulig, and their children, Jessica Kulig and Jacqueline Kulig; and David, his wife, Holly Trostle Brigham, and their children, Noble and Flora; as well as many nieces and nephews. She regretted never attending college and made sure each of her children were given the opportunity.

Her family and friends meant everything to her and spending time with them gave her much happiness. She had great intelligence, a zest for life, and always enjoyed a good party. Her interests included cooking for her family, finding a great bargain, bowling, and eating out with friends. She traveled with her husband Rodney to various destinations in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Her family wishes to thank the staff at Active Day of East Hartford and all of her caregivers whose kindness and love allowed her to spend her last years at home, but especially her longtime caregiver, Christine, as well as Pam, Audreanna, Janet, Christianne, Stephanie, Randy, Lisa, Lexi, and Billy.

Funeral services will be held at Union Congregational Church, 3 Elm St., Vernon, Monday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. Friends and family may gather at 9:30 a.m. at Small & Pietras Funeral Home at 65 Elm St. Burial rites will follow the funeral at Grove Hill Cemetery in Rockville.

The family invites memorial contributions to be made to the Eastern CT Health Network, Hospice and Palliative Care, 71 Haynes St., Manchester, CT. 06040.