Obituary of Nancy M. Brigandi

Nancy (Salvatore) Brigandi, 87, passed away Thursday April 26, 2018 at Greenview Assisted Living. Born January 16, 1931 to Anna and Joseph Salvatore in Akron; an area resident her entire life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Francis Salvatore. Survived by daughters Anne (Kenny) Abrams, Nancy (Harold) Musci and Catherine Brigandi; sons Anthony Brigandi and Joseph Brigandi; grandchildren Nathan and Caitlin Abrams (fiancé Jonas Meade), Vincent and Brian (Meghan) Musci, Andrew Richwine; 5 great-grandchildren; dearest sister -in-law Pierette Brigandi, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Mom was our sunshine, her smile lit up a room. She was amazingly beautiful inside and out. We are so fortunate she was our Mom. She so often gave us hope when we had none. Her gentle way of guiding and teaching was her greatest gift. She loved her job at the University of Akron and was proud of her role as an administrator in the College of Business. She was known throughout the College for her friendly disposition and ready smile, earnest helpfulness and fabulous Thanksgiving lunches and giant birthday cakes! She was a calming and reassuring voice for many overwhelmed students. Mom taught us to love family, cooking, dancing, music and wine in that order. There wasn't a big band or disco song she didn't love. She raised five children with her eyebrows, loving each of us unconditionally and telling us individually that we were her favorite. She was our own personal meals on wheels service. It was amazing how much food she could pack in her car. Although we have her recipes for her signature Sicilian dishes, pies and cakes they will never taste the same as we have lost the added ingredient of her love. In her later years she perfected the art of making bread and focaccia and growing the greatest basil plants ever. Stray cats always found their way to her door step until she removed the welcome sign on her front door, convinced the cats thought it was meant for them. Caring for her pets was a great source of comfort and routine as her memory declined. Our hearts are heavy with our loss yet we are grateful for the gifts of her wisdom that will live with us forever. Thank you Mom for protecting us. Your strength was remarkable. We would like to sincerely thank the aides and nurses that so loving cared for Mom in the Special Care Unit at Greenview Assisted Living and Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care. Special thanks to Anne and Kenny. Your loving care for Mom was selfless and tireless. Mom requested a private burial. She would love for you to open a bottle of wine, preferably chianti, sit down with a bowl of pasta, put on some good music and celebrate the gifts in your life. Mom always said we were the stars in her eyes, but the truth is she was our shining star. Her eyes are closed now and we believe the brightest star in the sky is our beloved Mom looking over us. Love, Anne, Kenny, Nancy and Harold