Brigitte Elisabeth Kirkman

Brigitte lived a life defined by warmth, curiosity, and deep compassion. She found joy in cooking and took great pleasure in traveling with her beloved husband, Charlie. Together, they created a life rich with shared experiences and lasting memories.

She graduated from high school speaking three languages, English, German, and French. Her first job was at a shipping company where she was able to utilize her language skills. She went on to work for the San Diego Unified School District in a variety of positions for nearly 40 years. She loved every job she held there and was well respected among her colleagues. She became the first female supervisor in maintenance. She met her friend and mentor, Bruce Husson, early in her career, and their friendship lasted the rest of her life. An avid reader, she was rarely without a book nearby, and she took special pride in completing crossword puzzles, especially the challenging Sunday New York Times crossword. She also had a deep appreciation for classical music, with Mozart as her favorite composer, and found comfort and joy in listening to his works.

Brigitte was an animal lover through and through. Her home was always filled with the presence of animals, and she created a space where both people and pets felt safe, welcomed, and loved. Her dogs were constant companions, often sharing not just her home but her bed as well, a reflection of the deep bond she formed with the animals she cared for.

Above all, Brigitte was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Michele and Ann, and her son, Robert; her grandchildren, RC, Dereck, and Chloe; and her sons-in-law, Raymond and Ken. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, her son, Richard, and the many beloved pets who were such an important part of her life.

Brigitte’s legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely, the home she built, and the countless lives, both human and animal, that she touched. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon at El Cajon Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Diego Humane Society or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in honor of Brigitte’s lifelong love of animals.