Brigitte Smith

Brigitte (nee Kaiser) Smith, the youngest of 10 children, was born and raised in Budingen, West Germany. Still in her teens, she married an American GI stationed outside her hometown. When his tour of duty was over, the family (which had grown to include 3 children) came to the US in 1958.

After traveling throughout the US, the family (now including 6 children) settled in New Bedford, MA. When her youngest child was old enough, Brigitte earned her credentials from Kinyon-Campbell Business School and began her career working in New Bedford City Hall. Brigitte rose to the position of Office Manager in the Auditor’s Office. After more than 20 years of dedicated service, she retired to spend more time her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Brigitte, lovingly called “Oma” by everyone, was an avid reader, loved camping, playing bingo, gardening and spending time with her family.

Brigitte was the daughter of the late Heinrich and Margarethe (Bittel), she later went on to receive her diploma from New Bedford High School and Kinyon Campbell Business School. She was employed as an office manager for City Of New Bedford in the auditor’s office.

She is survived by her children, Sylvia Smith of New Bedford, Harvey Smith and his wife Jill of Berkley, Shirley Matos and her husband Walter of New Bedford, Diane Cornel of New Bedford and Brian Smith of Palm Beach. Eleven Grandchildren, seven Great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Edward Smith and grandmother of two late grandchildren and predeceased by nine of her siblings.