Obituary of Elfrieda LaBrie

Elfrieda LaBrie of Stuyvesant passed away peacefully on November 5th at her home under her family's loving care.

Elfrieda was born on January 14, 1939, and raised on Schoolhouse Road in Stuyvesant by her late parents Fritz and Margaret Bogaush along with her brother, Fritz and sister, Margaret. She graduated from Kinderhook CSD and later attended Maria College. She then worked for the NYS department of OMRDD, supporting people with disabilities.

Elfrieda married her first husband, Robert LaBrie, and devoted her 20s and 30s to raising her four children. She taught her children important family values: family meals, shared responsibilities, independence, caring for others and hard work. Elfrieda learned these important values from growing up on her family farm. She was very grateful for the skills, knowledge, lessons and adventures of growing up as a farmer's daughter.

In retirement, Elfrieda was a devoted "Mimi". Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and her deep love for them was unconditional. She was so proud of every milestone and success they had, and it is safe to say she was their biggest cheerleader. The recent arrival of her two great grandchildren brought her a new level of joy.

Elfrieda also enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Jurgen Bruchmann. She traveled out west and to several European countries, including her parents' homeland in Germany. Her family roots were very important to her. She and her mother shared a bond of being fluent in German. They would often speak in their shared language, especially when they wanted to have a private conversation in a room full of people. Elfrieda's love for German food and traditions will be cherished by future generations.

Elfrieda's home was a safe haven for people and animals who needed shelter and support. She had a special love for nature, often caring for injured animals. Elfrieda found peace and joy in the great outdoors, whether it was in her gardens, hiking in the mountains, or spending time at the ocean.

Elfrieda leaves behind her children, Scott LaBrie (Late Caren Stewart), Terri LaBrie, Lisa LaBrie (Chuck Shattenkirk) and Robert LaBrie, Jr. (Gretchen), her grandchildren, Erin Graham-Shook (Daniel), Emily Kipp (Garrett), Lucas Graham, Kate Maresca, Ben Graham, Brooke LaBrie, Matthew LaBrie, and her dearly loved great grandchildren, Rosie Kipp and Sonny Shook. She also leaves behind her dear friends Basil Hawryluk, Linda Reinhardt, Amy Quinn, Goddaughter Jordan Reinhardt, her step son Lars Bruchmann, and her special cousin Gunter Bogaush.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Elfrieda, please consider supporting the Columbia Greene Humane Society. Monetary donations, food, blankets or time comforting the sheltered animals will pass forward Elfrieda's love and concern for animals. The family will hold a private service for Elfrieda to celebrate her life.

A final quote from Elfrieda that she wished to convey is, "I did it my way, and you should as well".