Ann Barbara Brazil 85, of Modesto, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Ann was the only child born to George and Rosine Engelhart.
She immigrated with her parents from Germany to the Bay Area in 1931 where she grew up, met and married Manuel Brazil on November 23, 1945. Together, they owned an auto body repair shop for several years in the Bay Area before moving to Turlock in 1950. They settled into rural life beginning a dairy which they worked together before Manuel went to his day job as an auto body repairman. He eventually managed the auto body repair shop for Thomson Chevrolet in Patterson.
Ann began her work career at the Emanuel Hospital and eventually became the office manager for Drs. Marion and James Collins in Turlock. As they moved toward retirement, they raised boysenberries for a number of years before retiring completely. They traveled the US in their fifth-wheel trailer going as far east as Maine and as far north as Alaska. Driving the Al-Can Highway was one of their greatest and most enjoyable adventures. They moved to Modesto in 1999.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents George and Rosine Engelhart; and her husband and best friend, Manuel. Ann and Manuel were married 55 years.
Ann enjoyed doing needle work, was a voracious reader, loved words and had a sharp sense of humor. She loved life, her family and her friends. During the past two and a half years Ann became a part of the Bethel Retirement Community where she made many new friends and touched the lives of many residents and staff members.
Ann is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Brazil and her husband Peter Bourget; and Cathy Zoslocki and her husband Bill as well as granddaughters Andrea Zoslocki and Beth Bava and her husband Lance. Both granddaughters have fond memories of the times they spent with their grandparents fishing and bird watching. We will all miss her in many ways.
Mass will be celebrated on January 19 at 11am St. Joseph's Catholic Church 1813 Oakdale Rd., Modesto.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 209 578-6300.
Turlock Journal
Saturday, January 14, 2012
