A Early

She was born March 6, 1917 in New Richmond, Wisconsin to Maude (Hogan) and Joseph Early. Following high school, Brigid attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education. She later earned her Master's Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. She taught school in Minnesota and Florida until her retirement in 1979.

During her retirement, Brigid was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church in Dunnellon, Florida, where she served as a Eucharistic minister for their Ministry of the Sick. She also volunteered her time and teaching skills at the schools in Dunnellon.

She and her best friend, Lois, moved to Chippewa Falls in 2010 to be near family.

Survivors include her best friend of 58 years, Lois Weatherbie; nieces and nephews, Mary (Allen) Holle of Chippewa Falls, Patrick Kearns of Peachtree, Georgia, Maureen (Mike) Bartel of Silverthorne, Colorado, Mark (Rita) Kearns of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Joan Van Oosterhout of Camas, Washington, Joseph (Rebecca) Van Oosterhout of Marquette, Michigan; Marie (Gary) Barnes of Ladson, South Carolina; many great-nieces and nephews; many great-great-nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Robert (in infancy), Joseph (Kay) Early, Mary Leah (Tom) Van Oosterhout, Eleanor (Walter) Kearns; niece, Jean Kearns; and nephews, Jack Van Oosterhout and Michael Kearns.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 7 at the Chapel of the Resurrection at the Chippewa Manor with Fr. Ed Shuttleworth of St. Charles Borromeo, Chippewa Falls, officiating. Spring interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, New Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Brigid's honor may be designated to St. Joseph's Hospice or to the charity of the donor's choice.

The family wishes to thank the many wonderful caregivers of St. Joseph's Hospice. Their kindness and compassion gave Brigid and her family so much love and comfort. We will be forever grateful.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.

Visit pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.


Afterservice

A funeral service for Patricia "Patti" Murphy Sample was held at 7 p.m., Monday, December 5, 2011 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. Fr. Justin Kizewski of Holy Ghost Catholic Church officiated and music was provided by organist, Judy Brist and vocalist, Amanda Tanzer.

Casket bearers were: Brian Heidtke, Denny, Jerry and John "Buck" Murphy, Jeff Chicko, Tom and Val Connell. Interment was in Newton Township Cemetery, Newton Falls, Ohio.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.