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Brazil, Michael Francis (August 10, 1936 – January 30, 2023), originally of Spaniard’s Bay.
Passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, Michael Francis Brazil aged 86 years. Predeceased by his infant daughter Genevieve; parents Corporal Matthew and Agnes (Delaney) Brazil; parents-in-law Jim and Kitty Lynch of Bellevue; brothers Gerald and Matt; sisters Cecilia, Margaret (Melvin Drover and Walter Brazil), Mary (Bill Pennell), and Clare (Harry Gregory); brothers-in-law Bill Ryan, William Lynch (Bridie), Andy Lynch; sister-in-law Philomena (Dave McCarthy), Jessie Lynch (wife of brother-in law Gerald) and Ron Lahey (husband of sister-in-law Theresa).
Leaving to mourn are his wife Josephine (Lynch) of 59 years; son Angelo; daughters Michelle, Eileen (Mark Hebert), Ginette (Mark O’Neill), and Pauline (Luis Ayala); grandchildren Krista (Josh Keegan), Jordan, Liam, Ryan, Sarah, Maria, Matthew, Anna and Elise. Also mourning his loss are his sisters Joan Ryan and Eileen (John Woodford); sisters-in-law Marina Brazil, Marie Brazil, Theresa Lahey, and Toni Lynch; brothers-in-law Jim Lynch (Mary), Gerald Lynch and Brendan Lynch (Florence) and a wonderful crowd of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews: Brazil’s, Drover’s, Pennell’s, Gregory’s, Ryan’s, Woodford’s, Lynch’s, McCarthy’s, Lahey’s … all very dear to Uncle Mike.
Mike was a dedicated teacher, beginning his career in New York and continuing to teach in many communities throughout the island of Newfoundland, as well as in Wabush, Labrador. In 1986, he retired from the profession at Beaconsfield High School where he taught French.
In 1983, he was proud to be presented the Croix de Guerre, on behalf of his late father, Corporal Matthew Brazil, for acts of bravery during World War I.
Charity was at the heart of Mike’s existence. He showed kindness to everyone he encountered. He organized and supported many fundraising efforts over the years for many groups including the Knights of Columbus, the Right to Life Association, and many school trips for his students at school and his children at home. He always appreciated the support he knew he could count on from the many people he knew to buy tickets, turkey teas, or Billy Boot garbage bags! In his later years, both he and his family increasingly appreciated the contribution of the friends of Bill W. to the enrichment of his life.
His love of the outdoors was evident in the berries he picked and the trout he caught, growing potatoes, and collecting seeds to plant trees. He loved a cup of tea, or ten, and played more than a few games of crib! He thrived in social gatherings, often being the life of the party. Many would say they could hear him before they could see him! He sang songs, told stories, played the accordion, and fiddled a few tunes. He delighted in the presence of family, and loved to share in the musical contributions of other family members at large family gatherings.
Mike was grounded in a strong and devout faith that was the foundation of all that he did. He encouraged others to live life to the fullest, always believing that things would work out, always trusting in the goodness and love of God. His memory will live on in those who knew and loved him.
Josephine and family would like to thank Mike’s caregivers over the years at Agnes Pratt Home and at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. Special mention must be made of the staff on the third floor of St. Patrick’s who showed much care and compassion as they tended to his end of life care and supported the family through it.
Mike will rest at Caul’s Funeral Home in St. John’s. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 1 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. each day. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Bellevue at 2 p.m. Friday, February 3 with interment to follow in the Bellevue cemetery. Funeral arrangements taken care of by Holloway’s Funeral Home, Whitbourne.
Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. the Center for Life, or charity of one’s choice.
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