Bergit “Brig” Kidd, age 88, of Coupeville, died Fri., Nov. 16, 2012.

Brig was the third of seven children who survived to adulthood, born on April 13, 1924, to Nels and Ida Giere in the Red River country of Western Minnesota. Bergit Marie Giere’s role in childhood, as the oldest daughter surviving the Depression on a modest farm north of Hawley, Minn. was predictable. She would care for her younger siblings and above all things place family along side of faith as the twin towers of incorruptible strength that would serve her throughout life. They were their own choir – all four parts would be sung around the family piano with Ida accompanying.

She is predeceased by her father and mother, brothers Archie, Nolan, Erdman, and sisters Signe and Darlene. Her surviving sister Corinne resides in Portland, Oreg., with husband Larry. Brig’s great love was Viv. They married in June of 1946. After almost 63 years of marriage, Viv died in April of 2009. She leaves behind son Tom and wife Brenda and daughter Deb and husband Chuck Flajole; grandchildren Jason, Jennifer and Jocelyn Kidd and Erin and Josh Flajole along with scores of adoring nieces and nephews to whom she will always be “Auntie!” Not to mention friends that stretch back throughout her life. Her biggest supposed “grief” in life was that instead of great-grandchildren her grandchildren gave her pictures of their dogs. She would always laugh, mostly at herself.

Undoubtedly a consequence of her very humble beginnings a special night out or a special meal was always “uptown”. She never took life for granted, treasured her career as office manager of the family business and equally treasured their retirement on Whidbey. Brig was particularly grateful she could stay in her home right until her last days. Little did more to brighten her days than a phone call from a friend or family member. Brig was truly the matriarch of the family. She never failed to be grateful for her status in life. She could be sweet, cranky and faithful all in the same sentence and she will be greatly missed. She was a great friend. She loved her faith community at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church who were so faithful to her.

Brig’s memorial service will be on Sat., Dec. 8, 1 PM at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277; The Sophia Way Women’s Shelter (payable to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church) or The Viv T Kidd Visiting Theologian Fund (payable to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church). (Address of St. Luke’s is 3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004.) Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.