Brigitte Clara Turrel

August 14, 1947 - March 24, 2022

Brigitte Turrel Obituary Brigitte Clara Turrel, age 74, died Thursday, March 24, after a short illness. Born August 14, 1947, in Recklinghausen, Germany, to parents William and Brigitte Wienecke, she immigrated first to Canada and then the United States as a young child. Brigitte grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, attending high school and then Wayne State University, majoring in Education with degrees in German, Spanish and English. Brigitte earned her Master’s Degree from Oakland University. Brigitte taught German, Spanish and English for twenty five years at Utica Community schools, retiring in 2002. Brigitte also sponsored student groups to Europe during her teaching career. She and her husband David, a principal in Utica schools, traveled extensively all over the United States and to many international destinations. Being avid boaters, the couple sailed on twenty-five cruises during their retirement and enjoyed boating in the Great Lakes. Brigitte and David resided in Shelby Township, Michigan; Payson, Arizona; and most recently in Algonac, Michigan, during their twenty-seven years of marriage. Brigitte was a kind, loving person, beloved and respected by her students and fellow staff. Brigitte is especially remembered for her quick smile and infectious laugh by all who met her. She was a loving mentor to her grandchildren, reflecting her Christian values and positive attitude. Brigitte is survived by her husband, David, of Algonac Michigan; Four children: Caryn Turrel (Jeff Kabzinski), Richard Smith (Shelley), Mark Smith (Kaiden), and Stephanie Pegg. Brigitte is also survived by ten grandchildren: Meghan Miller, Ben Kabzinski, Lydia Kabzinski, Sophia Smith, Christian Pegg, Elizabeth Miller, Sterling Smith, Kathryn Pegg, Ethan Smith, and Crystal Smith. Funeral arrangements: Visitation, Wednesday, March 31, 3-8 pm, Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke), Utica, MI . Funeral service, Thursday March 31, at Shepherd’s Gate Church, 12400 23 Mile, Shelby Twp. MI. Visitation at 10 am, service begins at 11 am. Burial at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, 38425 Garfield Rd, Clinton Twp. MI. Funeral service will also be available online from Shepherd’s Gate at the following link ~ http://livestream.com/Sgatechurch/events/10015465 Memorial donations should be directed to the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence.