Brigitte Strong

Brigitte Strong, 83, of Coal Valley, IL, lost her 5-1/2-year battle with ovarian cancer on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, IL, surrounded by family and friends. A Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, November 18 th , from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline, IL.  A private burial will be held at a later date. Brigitte was born in Czechoslovakia, the oldest of seven children.  After spending two years in a German internment camp, her family arrived at Ellis Island on a refugee boat.  Brigitte’s family had one year to pay back their boat fares.  Since six children were too young to work, Brigitte and her parents had to work for nine fares total.  They worked in New York City during the days and returned to the boats at night.  Brigitte worked three jobs babysitting and sewing clothes and taught herself English. Once their obligations were met, the family was granted entry to the United States and relocated to the Quad Cities, where Brigitte worked as a bookkeeper at the local Geifman’s grocery chain. Brigitte married Richard Strong in 1955. They were married for 62 years. She started working out of her home sewing drapes and upholstery and continued her work until age 79.  Brigitte loved working in her yard and taking care of the animals at her farm.  She always greeted people with a smile and respect. She passed peacefully, and is resting with Jesus. Brigitte was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be greatly missed.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Quad City Animal Welfare Center in Milan, IL.

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