Brazil, Michael Francis (August 10, 1936 – January 30, 2023), originally of Spaniard’s Bay.
Passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, Michael Francis Brazil aged 86 years. Predeceased by his infant daughter Genevieve; parents Corporal Matthew and Agnes (Delaney) Brazil; parents-in-law Jim and Kitty Lynch of Bellevue; brothers Gerald and Matt; sisters Cecilia, Margaret (Melvin Drover and Walter Brazil), Mary (Bill Pennell), and Clare (Harry Gregory); brothers-in-law Bill Ryan, William Lynch (Bridie), Andy Lynch; sister-in-law Philomena (Dave McCarthy), Jessie Lynch (wife of brother-in law Gerald) and Ron Lahey (husband of sister-in-law Theresa).
Leaving to mourn are his wife Josephine (Lynch) of 59 years; son Angelo; daughters Michelle, Eileen (Mark Hebert), Ginette (Mark O’Neill), and Pauline (Luis Ayala); grandchildren Krista (Josh Keegan), Jordan, Liam, Ryan, Sarah, Maria, Matthew, Anna and Elise. Also mourning his loss are his sisters Joan Ryan and Eileen (John Woodford); sisters-in-law Marina Brazil, Marie Brazil, Theresa Lahey, and Toni Lynch; brothers-in-law Jim Lynch (Mary), Gerald Lynch and Brendan Lynch (Florence) and a wonderful crowd of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews: Brazil’s, Drover’s, Pennell’s, Gregory’s, Ryan’s, Woodford’s, Lynch’s, McCarthy’s, Lahey’s … all very dear to Uncle Mike.
Mike was a dedicated teacher, beginning his career in New York and continuing to teach in many communities throughout the island of Newfoundland, as well as in Wabush, Labrador. In 1986, he retired from the profession at Beaconsfield High School where he taught French.
In 1983, he was proud to be presented the Croix de Guerre, on behalf of his late father, Corporal Matthew Brazil, for acts of bravery during World War I.
Charity was at the heart of Mike’s existence. He showed kindness to everyone he encountered. He organized and supported many fundraising efforts over the years for many groups including the Knights of Columbus, the Right to Life Association, and many school trips for his students at school and his children at home. He always appreciated the support he knew he could count on from the many people he knew to buy tickets, turkey teas, or Billy Boot garbage bags! In his later years, both he and his family increasingly appreciated the contribution of the friends of Bill W. to the enrichment of his life.
His love of the outdoors was evident in the berries he picked and the trout he caught, growing potatoes, and collecting seeds to plant trees. He loved a cup of tea, or ten, and played more than a few games of crib! He thrived in social gatherings, often being the life of the party. Many would say they could hear him before they could see him! He sang songs, told stories, played the accordion, and fiddled a few tunes. He delighted in the presence of family, and loved to share in the musical contributions of other family members at large family gatherings.
Mike was grounded in a strong and devout faith that was the foundation of all that he did. He encouraged others to live life to the fullest, always believing that things would work out, always trusting in the goodness and love of God. His memory will live on in those who knew and loved him.
Josephine and family would like to thank Mike’s caregivers over the years at Agnes Pratt Home and at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. Special mention must be made of the staff on the third floor of St. Patrick’s who showed much care and compassion as they tended to his end of life care and supported the family through it.
Mike will rest at Caul’s Funeral Home in St. John’s. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 1 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. each day. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Bellevue at 2 p.m. Friday, February 3 with interment to follow in the Bellevue cemetery. Funeral arrangements taken care of by Holloway’s Funeral Home, Whitbourne.
Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. the Center for Life, or charity of one’s choice.
Sorry for your loss. Our thought and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time
So sorry to read this and hear of Mike’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to his Wife and Family and we especially mention Ginette whom we had the pleasure of working with her and witnessing her awesome musical talents too, in Stella Maris Academy in Trepassey. We met Mike a few times and always with a very friendly smile and I still remember him breaking out in song (French of course) LOL! May God Rest his dear and pleasant soul. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to you all. Keep his wonderful memories alive in your hearts and your days ahead will always be a little brighter. Judy and John
Mrs Brazil and family
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Mr Brazil’s passing. When we operated the store on Hayward Avenue, Mr. Brazil became a friend of my dad, Jim Squires. He often came in with Pauline to get her a treat!!
When I was going to the wilds of Central NL in 1981, to the small community of Cottrell’s Cove, Mr Brazil was the only one who came in to ‘the shop’ who could say not only that he knew where it was, but he had been there!! That was a such relief to me!! I will remember him with a smile always.
The last time I saw him was when my cousin married his nephew, Matt Brazil!! It’s a small world!!
So very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. His visits to our home were always memorable. Rest peacefully, Mike.
Here in camp, north of Fort McMurray and thinking of you Uncle Mike. Lots of fond memories,thank you for those. But what really sticks in my mind is the time you, myself and Dad were driving down over Brazils hill early one morning heading in to the old plane crash to check our rabbits snare and you were singing this song by Joe South, Don’t it make you wanna go home. I guess you are finally home now , rest easy my friend. Love always Cyril
Condolences to the family of Mike. Verry sorry for your loss.
Condolences to Mike’s family and friends. Mike was a dear friend and raised a fine bunch. Unfortunately, I am in Labrador West and can not be there in person. Having landed in Wabush yesterday; I feel another kinship with Mike. Your Dad was a kind and good man🙏
Sending deepest condolences to Jose and all the family. May the precious memories help you all through this difficult time.
It is never easy when a parent dies. Please accept our Condolences Aunt Josephine, Angelo, Michelle, Eileen, Ginette, and Pauline and Families . Rest in Peace UNCLE MIKE
To all cousin Mike’s family my deepest condolences.
Aunt Josephine and family Joy and I are sending you and yours are prayers and thoughts at this time . God bless you all . Love Ron and Joy .
Aunt Josephine and family, we were saddened to hear of Uncle Mike’s passing. As noted in the obituary he lived a life of kindness and generosity. May a lifetime of treasured memories give you strength as you grieve and comfort each other. God Bless!
Sorry for your loss.
Josephine and family our sincere condolences on the passing of Mike. We will remember him and you all in our prayers.
Take care
Gerard and Dawn
Condolences to Ginette and family on the loss of a wonderful gentleman!
Josephine and family my deepest condolences on Mr.Brazils passing. I had the privilage of taking care of Mike at the A P H. I found him to be a very pleasant man to work with and I always enjoyed his music and the times he spent entertaining the staff and other residents.
my heart goes out to you all. although it was really nice to see you all its sad it was under these circumstances. I’ll always remember uncle Mike’s hugh smile and how he enjoyed everyone’s company and how he loved to entertain. rest in peace uncle mike
A great teacher, colleague and Friend. Had the pleasure to be on the staff with him At St,Joseph school Carbonear in the early70s.
My dear Josephine and families! It is with deep sadness we heard the news of your precious love one’s passing! Please accept our condolences at this lime of great loss and know you are carried prayerfully in our hearts! God bless you all and God rest his beautiful soul!
Josephine and family,
So very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Lots of wonderful memories!
Deepest condolences to all the family.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Josephine and all his extended family. Mike was a good man and I’m sure he’s in Heaven. May he rest in peace.
Josephine, so sorry to hear of Mike,s passing. I had the honor of meeting you both at the Agnes Pratt Home, while he was a resident on Fairhaven. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May he RIP and may there be plenty of accordion and toe tapping music.
Josephine, so sorry to hear of Mike,s passing. I had the honor of meeting you both at the Agnes Pratt Home, while he was a resident on Fairhaven. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May he RIP and may there be plenty of accordion and toe tapping music.
So sorry to read of Mikes passing sincerest condolences to family and friends. Hi Michelle very sorry to hear of your fathers passing.
Best regards
Harriet and family.
Mike was a great asset to the Right to Life Assoc. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Mike.
As a fellow teacher at Beaconsfield High School, I knew Mike briefly but plenty long enough to recognize a very caring person. My sincere condolences to you all.
Elizabeth Melvin
Sincere condolences to all Mike’s family and friends. Fond memories of him over the years as we shared our experience, strength and hope on our journey. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Jose , On behave of Gary and Myself we offer our condolences on the lost of Mike , May his gentle soul Rest In Peace in the arms of Jesus.
Uncle Mike never got to see you when I was home last year it was sad news when we heard that you passed away we will miss you. From your family here in Kitchener ontario
Ginette and family so sorry to hear of your father/grandfather’s passing. May his soul rest in the peace of Christ.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing . Sincere condolences to his family . I taught school with Mike at St.Anne’s School in Spaniards Bay in the late sixties. He was a lovely man and a great teacher . I’m sure he will be greatly missed . May he Rest In Peace .
Good memories of Mike at Beaconsfield High. So sorry to hear of his passing. God bless.
Ginette and the Bazil Family
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sincere condolences to all the family. May he Rest in Peace.
My deepest condolences to Michelle, Mrs Brazil and the entire Brazil family from Andrew and myself. Your dad was a wonderful and kind man. Every time I called your house, he would put my french skills to the test speaking in French for the entire conversation and he was always so happy to see us come for a visit. He continues to live through each of you. We love you and may your dad now rest in peace.
Mr. Brazil was my Grade 5 teacher in Carbonear in 1969. I will always remember his happy positive approach to teaching children. He challenged us, made us think and showed us respect. His sense of humour and French spiels kept our attention. He drove a cool black car for the day, which I think was a Galaxy 500. In sharing these memories, I hope those who morn, smile and your heart lifts a little during these difficult days.
Genevieve Barron Babb
Ginette and Brazil family. Mike had a great life and well lived . I enjoyed his friendship when we were both teachers at Beaconsfield High School. He had a great memory of past events dates and all. RIP Mike Jim and Regina McCarthy Topsail