Miriam Brigida Vagt's Obituary
Miriam “Briggy” Vagt, died the morning of Jan. 30, 2016 after a lengthy illness. She was a resident of San Mateo, CA for over 53 years. Her parents Maria Therese and Alfredo lived in Central America. Miriam moved to the U.S. as a young girl, learning English in San Francisco. She met and married the love of her life, Arno on Valentine’s Day. After much hard work and sacrifice, Miriam and Arno moved into their brand new home in San Mateo, California. They worked hard, settling in for the next 41 years with their five children. Miriam’s remarkable successes were earning scholarships in order to complete her Baccalaureate degree from the University of Notre Dame de Namur in her 40’s. Miriam followed that achievement by beginning a Master’s Degree at San Jose State University. For many years, she taught and encouraged bi-lingual grade school students in Redwood City, CA making numerous friends in the process. Along with her work as a teacher, Miriam enjoyed Hawaiian dancing, church, community, and cultural events with her husband and friends. Those who really knew Miriam will remember her tact and courtesy to others, her enormous courage in the face of her long-term illness, her strong faith, and her commitment to living life and lifelong learning. Miriam was extraordinarily generous and friendly to others along with having an interesting and entertaining sense of humor. Surviving relatives include her daughters Catherine, Louise, and Wanda, her son Gerry; a son Bernie and her husband Arno preceded her in death. Grandchildren are Brian, Bradley, Bryce, Brandon, Brett, Lauren, Molly, Bruce Vagt, Kayla and Kelly Hoffman. Her great-granddaughter Carolina Hoffman is three years old. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the following people for their care and support: Ane and John Haupeakue, her family, and friends at Petani Haven Board & Care in San Mateo, CA. Ane’s expert, and loving care of Miriam for 12 years will always be deeply appreciated; Lynne Siracusa and Gerry Merrick were her “adopted” children and dear friends; Maureen McLaughlin was a devoted friend to Miriam and Arno; we are eternally grateful for the expert and respectful care provided by Charles Feldman, MD and Sharon Windust, BSN, RN at Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City California; the staff of San Mateo’s Satellite Dialysis Center; and the Staff at Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City, California. Special thanks to long time childhood friend America, Miriam’s friend Gloria who faithfully brought communion to her for many years, Alyce a friend of Wanda’s for her kindness, Miriam’s neighbor and friend Martha, and Lupe. Viewing and special Mass will be held on Friday Feb. 19, 2016 from 10:00 am to 12 Noon at St. Timothy’s Church in San Mateo, CA in the chapel. Entombment will follow at Skylawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park in San Mateo (Skylawn.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to these research organizations in Miriam’s name: Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Foundation National Office 1355 Peachtree St NE 6th Floor Atlanta,GA 30309 404.872.7100arthritis.orgPoly Cystic Kidney Foundation PKD Foundation PO Box 871847 Kansas City, MO 64187-1847Donate by phone or mail
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