Jacqueline B. "Jackie" Brien

Jacqueline “Jackie” Bernice Schiefer Brien, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all she met, passed away peacefully in the Benicia home of her son, Joe, with all his family by her bedside on Tuesday Morning, Dec. 29th, 2020. She was born on September 23, 1924 to Thomas and Isabelle Schiefer in Rochester, New York and was the oldest living child of 8 children they had. Her parents, having been told she had been diagnosed with St. Vitus’ Dance when she was a young child, thought Jackie would not survive her youth, but she lived a long and wonderful 96 years of life! Jackie married her High School sweetheart Gilbert “Gil” Patrick Brien on September 1, 1942. Her anniversary and birthday made September her “favorite” month! She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gil in 1999, and 6 of her younger siblings and their spouses. She loved her family deeply and could not wait to have her own. She is survived by her son Joseph Brien, and wife, Blanche Hilman (Benicia), their children, Alexander, Arielle, and Gilbert; and her son Stephen Brien, wife Mary Brien; and her son, Daniel Brien and wife, Irene Oszip and Daniel’s daughter Nicole (Brien) Hughes and her husband. She is also survived by her sister Molly Carbone, and many nieces, nephews, and their families. She was present for the births of her 3 Calif. Grandchildren, and stayed present and involved for their first steps, baby teeth, school events, sports, dance recitals, babysitting, graduations, and all other special and every day family events. She was the best “Noni” anyone could wish for. Jackie and Gil were inseparable and had many good times together. They moved to South Florida and raised a family together. They also owned a laundromat and “Red Brick Grille” restaurant. Jackie’s love and deep appreciation of people grew both of her businesses. Her customers would come from miles around to see her. She was so happy to hear people’s stories and always saw the best in them. She made everyone feel special and loved and in return she was loved right back! After Gil passed away, Jackie lived on her own for the first time at Casa de Vilarrasa in Benicia. She loved having her own cute little apartment and enjoyed the friends and social activities they had there. Going to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Benicia with her family was one of her most favorite places to be. She sang in the choir for many years, and even had her own personal chair made to sit right next to the piano. From her “perch” she greeted all who entered with a welcoming smile and sparkling eyes. Everyone there became family to her. She also found great joy in seeing her dear friends at the Senior Center and playing chicken foot, doing crafts, making the coffee, and working the crowd at Craft Fairs. In 2001, Jackie met Sam Piscatelli at the senior center. They would become great friends and companions, who would enjoy taking drives, eating out, and talking. The whole Piscatelli Family welcomed Jackie and she loved them dearly. They treated her with so much love and affection. The Brien/Hilman Family hopes to have a “Celebration of Life” service and reception for Jackie at St. Paul’s when we able to have services in person. Please continue to look at the Passalacqua website for updated information https://www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com/ In the meantime, there will be a Zoom Memorial Service on Feb. 14th, from 2-3:30 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88597341904?pwd=UkNPWUJhR0VocDVTeFNjNHRuMkYvQT09 Passcode: 732657 In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Benicia. https://www.stpaulsbenicia.org/

Jacqueline B. "Jackie" Brien

September 23, 1924 - December 29, 2020