Atella Inez Brackman's Obituary
Atella Inez Brackman and her twin sister Adella Brackman were born on July 3, 1925 to Isabel Faiqure McNish (affectionately known to all as "Madre") and Alvares Brackman in San Andres,
Colombia. Atella was the third of eleven children born to Isabel. From a young age, she took on the vital responsibility of assisting her mother with the daily household routines, contributing to the family's economic stability.
While living in San Andres, Colombia, Inez had two children; Gilda and Casilda. After Casilda's birth she became determined to seek a better life for herself and her children. Atella later relocated to Panama City, Panama in order to provide a better life and education for her two children.
Atella later moved to the United States with the aid of her employers in the mid 1960's where she settled in Palo Alto, Ca. In 1974 Atella purchased her forever home in E. Palo Alto, Ca.
Atella, along with her eldest daughter took pride in entertaining family and friends after Sabbath service. She boasted about her crystal collection to her grandchildren.
Atella worked for naval admirals and their families in the Canal Zone, where she was known for her cooking; especially her zucchini bread, zucchini casserole, carrot cake, persimmon pudding and Chinese salad; we can not leave out her cow foot soup, oxtails, and curry goat and chicken (just to name a few of her fine cuisines). While in Panama Atella had the honor to prepare meals for two different United States Presidents; Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Her employer would ask grandma to prepare meals and freeze them to ensure she had her good cooking readily available at all times.
Atella enjoyed spending time with Mark Jamplis, an honorary Godchild of Half Moon Bay, Ca. She also enjoyed spending time with Sarah and Eva Rosenbaum. Atella also enjoyed visits from Sister Finley and Sussie.
Atella was baptized into the East Palo Alto Seventh Day Adventist Church in the early 1980's by the late Pastor Melvyn Warfield, Sr. She remained a member and Matriarch of the congregation until her death. She was affectionately called and referred to as grandma by many.
Atella helped many family members and extended family migrate from San Andreas Island, Colombia and Panama to the United States by sponsoring and sending money and clothes in order to help families have a better life. Atella wanted her loved ones to achieve American life as she had done.
Inez's first born daughter, Gilda Brandt Pedrol, preceded her in death, leaving a deep void in her heart and the hearts of family and friends. Her sons in love; Daniel Smith and Dr. Reynaldo Pedrol, preceded her in death. Also preceding Inez in death were her parents; Isabel Faiqure McNish and Alvares Brackman, and her siblings; Gerald Elton Brock, Sanarvio Castillo Brock, Adella Brackman,
Brenda Brandt, Ines Brandt, Icil Brandt, and Nieves Mitchell. One special niece, Sherlene Pomare.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories and spirit, her daughter Casilda Bowie Smith, and her siblings, Ina Brandt, Iris Brandt, and Ernesto Brandt. Her grandchildren: Victor Reynaldo Pedrol Brandt (Joy), Lana Wallace Bowie (David), and Gary Reynaldo Pedrol Brandt (Drina); Great grandchildren;
Tanaia Davenport, Markeece Brock, Gary Pedrol, Jr, Germella Pedrol, Victoria Pedrol, Gabriel Pedrol,
Joshua Pedrol, Roger Lee III, Roman Lee (Vanessa), Raeshawn Lee, Craig Spencer, Gianna Wallace,
Micah Wallace, and Giovani Pedrol. Atella was immensely blessed to have eighteen great-great grandchildren. Inez also had a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends.
Atella "Inez" Brackman's life inspires us all. Despite humble beginnings and facing numerous challenges, Inez never wavered in her dedication to her family and service of others. Her selfless acts of kindness and generosity touched the lives of so many.
What’s your fondest memory of Atella?
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Share a story where Atella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Atella you’ll never forget.
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