Irene Alise Briga

Irene Alise Briga passed away in her home in Camarillo, California, Tuesday, January 26,2016 with her daughter and grand-daughter by her side. She had recently moved to California to live with her daughter and son-in-law from her home in Connecticut. Irene was born in Riga, Latvia on May 21, 1925. She fled Latvia with her husband, Janis to avoid deportation to Siberia by the Soviets during World War II. After residing in displaced persons camps in Germany for several years until a church in Marion, Ohio sponsored them to immigrate to the United States in 1950. Irene, Janis and their 2 children (Aija and Janis) moved to Toledo, Ohio. Irene and Janis were proud to become American citizens and were very hard working and patiotic citizens. Irene managed several bookstores in Toledo, including the Lutheran Bookstore and the University of Toledo Bookstore. Irene also continued to attend classes at the University and received her Master’s degree from UT in Arts and Sciences. Irene cared deeply for people and traditions of Latvia. She was active in several Latvian organizations, including the Latvian Literary Society, SKK and Daugaviets Vanagi in both Detroit and Connecticut. She was very active in restoring the environmnent in Latvia. She also leaves family and friends in Latvia that will always remember her for her love of country and heritage. Irene and Janis moved to Lake Hayward in Connecticut after retiring from the University of Toledo Bookstore in 1989. She and her husband had a wonderful appreciation for the beauty of nature and the environment, art, poetry and literature. Irene was preceeded in death by her son, Egils Andris(d.1972); her husband Janis Mervaldis(d.2004) and grand-daughter, Lija Inesa(d.2010). Irene will be lovingly remembered by her 3 surviving children Aija Irene Briga,Janis Inesis Briga, and Anda Briga Rebensal. She is also survived by Mary Ellen Briga, daughter in law, Reverand Robert Rebensal, son-in-law, granddaughter Aija Zane Rebensal, Grandson Andris Inesis Briga and great grandson Shane Robert Muller as well as many friends and family here and in Latvia. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to the Latvian Arts. Funeral will be Friday at 11 am at the Toledo Memorial Park Chapel on 6382 Monroe St. Sylvania, OH. There will be a private veiwing at 10 am. Following the funeral there will be a time for lunch and sharing at the Raddison Hotel on the University of Toledo Campus.