Jane (Pereira) Brightman, age 66, of Fairhaven passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015 after a long courageous battle with dementia. She was the beloved wife of Peter D. Brightman with whom she shared nearly 44 years of marriage.
Jane was born in Acushnet to Augustinho and Ida (Leal) Pereira of New Bedford. She was raised in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School in 1966. She was a member of the first graduating class of Bristol Community College, and then obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education from the former SMU, now UMass-Dartmouth. After they wed, Jane and Peter settled in Dartmouth where they lived for over 35 years before moving to Fairhaven 8 years ago. Jane then lived for two years at Island Terrace Nursing Home in Lakeville where she enjoyed the views with her faithful roommates and caring staff. Her journey finally ended in the caring hands of the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home, while allowing a final visit to her Wilbur Point home 6 days prior to her passing. Jane is now on her next assignment.
In addition to her husband and parents she leaves two sons, Matthew P. Brightman and his wife Colleen of Foxboro and Marc N. Brightman and his wife Anne Marie of North Andover; four cherished grandchildren, Caitlin, Jack, Kristina and Angiolina; her twin sister Rosemary Pereira of New Bedford and younger sister Linda Fiano and her husband Andre of California; her mother-in-law, Claire Brightman of Fairhaven, her godmother, Palmira Pereira of New Bedford, and several aunts, uncles and nieces.
Mrs. Brightman was the kindergarten teacher for over 20 years at the Dunbar Elementary School in New Bedford, retiring in 2004 and was among the first to teach a “full-day” kindergarten program. In the classroom Jane did what she loved and loved what she did, and it showed. Beyond the classroom she enjoyed many happy days with her family, especially on the beach at Wilbur Point.
A Memorial Service in Celebration of her Life was held on Friday, June 12, 2015 followed by burial of cremains in South Dartmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Jane Brightman Scholarship Fund, c/o First Citizens Federal Credit Union, 200 Mill Rd, Suite 100, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
For tributes visit www.waring-sullivan.com