Brigitte Hold Slavin

SLAVIN, Brigitte. Brigitte Hold Slavin, 78, of West Hartford, CT, loving wife of Dr. James Slavin Jr., and beloved mother of Jim Slavin III (wife Kim), Peter Slavin (wife Nicole), Bill Slavin, and Mary Beth Reiss (husband John), died unexpectedly of a stroke on Friday (February 3, 2023) surrounded by her adoring family. Born in 1945, Brigitte was the cherished only child of the late Dr. Peter and Berti Hold, wonderful parents whom she loved dearly and enjoyed doting upon. She was born in the lakeside village of Mondsee, Austria, which was the picturesque setting for “The Sound of Music” and a place that always remained dear to her. Brigitte spent her first five years in Steyr, Austria then five years in Montreal, Canada before moving to Milford, CT in 1955. There, she loved to waterski, sail, ride horses, and travel to Vermont to ski with her parents. She was a graduate of Laurelton Hall High School and Sacred Heart University and was an elementary school teacher thereafter. Brigitte met Jim Slavin, her husband of 54 years, at Yale Medical School in nearby New Haven. They married upon Jim’s return from Vietnam and soon began raising their family together- first in Bad Tolz, Germany on a U.S Army base, and then in Milford, Glastonbury and West Hartford, CT. Her love of being active continued throughout her entire life- she learned to surf in her 60s, swam regularly, skied extensively, exercised at the gym, and played pickleball until her last day. She passed this passion for activity to her children and taught all of them many of the skills she possessed. Nothing made Brigitte happier than spending time with her family. Known as Mima to her eight grandchildren, she loved being surrounded by Will, Emily, Bridgette, Grace, Fiona, Rosemary, Jimmy, and Peter. She eagerly accepted the opportunity to babysit or to lavish the children with her love and attention. No matter what the family event- a birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or a Sunday dinner- Brigitte always made it special with a beautifully set table, carefully prepared meal and warm hospitality. Brigitte’s caring personality and gentle nature gained her many lifelong friends in Germany, Austria, Florida, and Connecticut. While we sometimes teased “Big Mama” for her humorous commentary, she had a heart of gold and never had an ill intent. Brigitte was a beautiful, classy, and kind woman, and will always be remembered as a gracious and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. We all love her greatly and were stunned by her sudden and premature passing. Visitation will be held at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT on Thursday, February 9 from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Brigitte on Friday, February 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church, 1116 N Main St, West Hartford, CT, followed by a reception. For friends and family unable to attend in person, the Funeral Mass will be streamed live. Please visit www.molloyfuneralhome.com streaming link and messages of remembrance and sympathy STREAMIN LINK https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9455439848