Brigitte Engel Dobbins

Look up to the sky on a clear night and the brightest star will be our best friend, teacher, wife, mother and grandmother. Brigitte lost her long, battle with a cruel neurological condition on Feb, 26, 2016. During her 5-year illness, she remained strong, positive and inspirational. She made each day pleasant for family and friends that loved, supported and will miss her very much.

Born on January 21, 1950 to the late Gisela and Werner Engel, Brigitte Engel (angel) grew up in Heiligenstadt, (holy town) Germany. She was the 3rd of five sisters; Karin, Gisela, Brigitte, Heike, and Kerstin. Always the adventurous one, this angel left her beautiful homeland, family, friends, and customs at the age of 20. She traveled to the U.S. to visit Dennis Dobbins who she met in 1967 when he was stationed in Germany. They married in 1970 in Orlando, Fl. Later that year, their daughter, Christine, was born. Brigitte loved traveling and looked forward to new friends and making a home of each house they lived in. Her military travels included Florida, England, Germany, Greece, Nevada and Virginia; often 2 or 3 “moves” at the same location. During 23 years as a military spouse, she traveled to many other countries and over 20 states. The model military wife, she “commanded” the household and family life’s ups and downs while Dennis was away. Always a wunderbar mother while working in a number of administrative positions. Her daughter and spending time with her two grandchildren, Heather and Kraig William (K.W.) were at the top of the list of her pleasures.

While living at Sembach A.B. (1976-1982) Germany, Brigitte taught host-nation classes in the DOD schools system. Her creativity, enthusiasm, excitement, and love for her native German language, customs and traditions were shared with hundreds of military “brats.” She loved the joy of teaching and the rewards of watching her students grow. In Virginia, she completed her education degree and was certified to teach High School German. “Frau” Dobbins started teaching at Hampton High School in 1996 and moved to Jamestown High in 2005 when she and Dennis moved to Williamsburg. She earned her undergraduate degree from St. Leo College and a Troy State University Master’s degree. Brigitte was also certificated to teach advanced placement (AP) and International Bachelor (I-B) courses. In 2002, she earned National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) certification. This is the highest form of peer recognition for public school professionals. NBCT is a comprehensive national program; a “practical PhD” for teachers.

Brigitte was an active walker; often competing 6-8 mile walks in Colonial Williamsburg and the W&M campus. She completed five half-marathons frequently finishing the 13.1 miles ahead of many runners.

Surviving family members include her husband of 45 years, Dennis; her daughter, Christine Cole and her husband Kraig of Newport News, Va. and their children, Heather Lynn and Kraig William (K.W.) Cole; her brother-in-law, Terry L. Dobbins and wife Lois of Buffalo, N.Y. and their three children, Coleen Murphy and family in Dallas, TX, Christopher Dobbins and family in St. Augustine, Fl., and Corey Dobbins and family in Waldorf, Md.; her sister-in-law, Sharon A. Reichert and husband Mark in Delray Beach, Fl. Brigitte’s family in Germany; sisters Karin, Gisela, Heike, Kerstin and their families grieve Brigitte’s passing.

Family members want to thank Brigitte’s many friends, neighbors, caregivers, and yoga “sisters” for their unconditional love, support and kindness. Your thoughts and prayers made each day a great day for Brigitte and made the final journey more comfortable for her family. Brigitte’s family and friends offer their sincere thanks to the Williamsburg Hospice House for their caring support during her final days.

A celebration of her life for family and friends will be on March 10, 2016 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd. Williamsburg, Va. 23188. A reception will follow at the Colonial Heritage clubhouse. To help remember her and put a smile on her face, wear a “splash” of red for her on March 10th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Williamsburg Hospice House & Support Care at: http://williamsburghospice.org or the Cure PSP foundation at: http://www.psp.org.