JENNIE M. BRINKMAN

MIDDLEBURY — Jennie M. Brinkman, a resident of Vermont and Cornwall for most of her life, died at home early morning, Feb. 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Sept. 13, 1945, in San Severo, Italy, the daughter of Stanley Carlton and Anna Maria (Patrizio) Johnson.

Jennie graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1963. At the age of 17, she began her career as a secretary under the tutelage of Helen Dukette at Middlebury College’s Secretarial Department in Old Chapel. She married Michael George Brinkman of Vergennes, Vt., July 24, 1965. Together they raised two daughters. Working side by side, they owned and operated Edgewood Orchard in Cornwall from 1977-1985. She shared her husband’s love of working with the land.

Jennie enjoyed participating and working for her Cornwell community over the years, serving as a member and president of Friends of the Cornwall School, school board director/chairman of Anna Stowell Sunderland Bingham Memorial School, justice of the peace and town treasurer, as well as serving on various committees for town projects. She was also a member of the South Cornwall Cemeteries Association. Jennie served as secretary/treasurer for many years. Jennie also served as a board member/secretary for Hospice Volunteer Services in Middlebury, Vt.

She was a lifelong and active parishioner of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic church in Middlebury, serving over the years as a lector, parish hospital/Helen Porter Nursing Home visitor, religious education teacher, Bishop’s Fund solicitor, Liturgy Committee member/chairman, Parish Council Member and a member/vice regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas – Court Assumption 2009.

She is survived by her husband, Michael G. Brinkman; daughters, Stephanie Ann Brinkman (John Gallagher) of Waterbury Center, Vt., and Christine Marie Brinkman (Peter Laframboise) of Cornwall, Vt.; two dearly beloved granddaughters, Fallon Jane Gallagher of Ridgewood, N.Y. and Riley Ann Gallagher of Monte Vista, Colo.; step-granddaughter Emily of Cornwall, Vt.; brothers Gary L. Johnson (JoAnn) of Newport, Vt. and Salvatore (Sylvester) Guy Johnson of Port Charlotte, Fla.; sisters Elizabeth Quesnel of Cornwall, Vt., Martha Quesnel Robertson (David) of Summerville, S.C., Linda Maxham (Tom) of Virginia Beach, Va., and her baby sister Maria Murray (Doug) of Salisbury, Vt.; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father, mother, brothers-in-law Thomas Quesnel and Allen Quesnel, and two nephews, Mathew John Quesnel and Douglas John Murray III.

Jennie will be remembered for her smile, compassion and love of life. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elderly Services, Inc., 112 Exchange St, Middlebury, Vt., 05753.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Middlebury in the spring, date to be determined. Graveside Committal services and burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Galvin Road in Cornwall.

Funeral arrangements made by Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury. ◊