Beverley Margaret Brigandi

DURHAM -Beverley Brigandi of Durham NC, died from massive stroke on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the age of 72. She was an accomplished artist, educator, consultant, and published author. Beverley was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to parents John and Marie Brigandi on January 3, 1943. She was the second of three daughters. She graduated from St. John???s Uneersity with a degree in Education. In 1965, she began a distinguished teaching career in the Sachem School District. After attending art education classes at Columbia Uneersity, she moved to Katonah, N.Y., and taught art in the Lakeland Central School District. After retirement, she became the educational consultant at the John Jay Historical Society, Katonah Museum, Scarsdale Historical Society, and, later, the Neuberger Museum at SUNY Purchase. After moving to Durham, N.C., she began a new career as a romance neelist. Her seventh and last neel, Kicking Sawdust, was published in 2015. She was a member of the North Carolina Romance Writers Association. Beverley is survived by her companion of over fifty years, Sally Pearson; her sisters, Arlene and Denee; her nephews, John and Darren; and her brother-in-law, Joseph P. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00am Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Holy Infant Church with Rev. David Devlin, OSFS officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Beverley???s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, please donee to the Catholic Indian Charities Foundation. The family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham. Online condolences at www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.