Marie Celeste Brinkmeyer

Marie was born in August 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Harry De Forest Hilliard and Catherine Marie Sullivan. Marie was an only child, who was orphaned at 14. Vowing to never let that happen to her children, she went on to create a family of more than 100, starting with her own first ten children with her first husband, William Mulcahy. Her first husband died when she was 38 and she found love again, marrying William Brinkmeyer when she was 42. The Brinkmeyer family included six additional stepchildren for her. No matter how large the family was, there was always room for more and she embraced dozens of other young people who needed parental care or guidance.

She lived an amazing life and accomplished so much. In the early years she worked in Aerospace and was highly respected for the quality and diligence she brought to her job. After moving from the San Fernando Valley to the Conejo Valley (Thousand Oaks) she was offered the position of Personnel Director at Los Robles Regional Medical Center, which became a 25-year mission of love, and a great accomplishment for her.

Her first retirement (after her move to Paso Robles), was quickly put on the shelf for later, when she accepted the position of Director of Senior Volunteer Services and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) for San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties. She spent another 10 years helping everyone who had a need for another pair of hands. She was gifted with thousands of volunteers who worked right along side her to improve the everyday life of so many.

Marie personified the meaning of “Mom” and “Friend.” There was always enough time to help, always enough food to share, always enough love to spread and her whole life was such a remarkable story of never giving up and never giving in. She was the perfect combination of strength and warmth, and she had such a wonderful sense of humor.

Marie and Bill created a beautiful life filled with endless camping trips, outdoor adventures and many dogs. Most of all, she loved hosting family events and took every opportunity to have the family gather together. They loved the beach and never missed a chance to watch a sunset.

Marie was preceded in death by both of her parents, and both of her husbands. She is survived by all of her children, Kathy (Peter), Bill, Patty, Maureen (Wayne), Mike, Matt (Kimberly), Eileen (Paul), David, Robert (Brenda), Sean, Doug (Sherrie), Karen, Terri (Kika), Jill, David, Gary, and the amazing group of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that truly decorated her life.

A graveside service will be held on what would have been her 93rd birthday, Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Paso Robles Cemetery, 45 Nacimiento Lake Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446. In lieu of flowers, she requested a donation to Boy’s Town or Saint Jude. Mom is now resting in peace.