Brigitta Maselli

Mrs. Brigitta Maselli, 93, passed away in Winston Salem, North Carolina on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

She was born in Plauen, Germany on February 8, 1926, and came to this country with her family at the age of 4, arriving through Ellis Island.

Brigs, as she was known to her friends, grew up in Queens, NY, and graduated from Julia Richman High School in Manhattan. She then received her bachelor’s degree from Queen’s College. She met her husband, John at the Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club on Long Island, NY. He was a lifeguard and she was a waitress, both working there for the summer to escape the heat of New York City. They were married on December 26, 1948.

She was accepted at Columbia’s medical school, but decided not to pursue a medical degree so John could get his Ph.D.

They moved to Winston-Salem about 35 years ago, when John came to work for RJ Reynolds. Brigs was very active in the community here. She and John were involved with the Winston-Salem Symphony. She had a green thumb and lifelong love of gardening and was a past President of the Winston-Salem Garden Club. Brigs and John shared a passion for sailing, traveling, and art. They owned several boats over the course of their marriage, and spent lots of happy hours on various lakes around the country and in the Caribbean. They traveled to Europe four times a year, and brought back many mementos of their trips, including artwork. They supported local artists as well. Several years ago, she joined Centenary United Methodist Church, and was part of the Women’s Circle.

Brigs and John were married for 70 years. She will be dearly missed by her husband, family and many friends.

Surviving are her husband, John Maselli, Sr.; children, John Maselli, Jr. (Linda) and Elisa Maselli; grandson, John Maselli, III (Marissa); with a great-grandchild on the way; nephews, Gary Degen (Barbara) and Joe DePlasco (Nahela Hadi); great-nephews, Tristan Degen and Isaiah Degen; and great-niece, Gabriella DePlasco.

A Celebration of her life will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek. At 3:00 pm Reverend Craig Ford will officiate a time of sharing for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Stroke Association ( www.strokeassociation.org ).