Brigitte H. Gier

Long time Whatcom County resident Brigitte Gier, age 85, passed away in Bellingham on June 10, 2021. She was born December 1, 1935 in Berlin, Germany. One of three sisters, Brigitte and the family survived the Allied bombing of Berlin during the second half of World War II, eventually evacuating to Bavaria after an undetonated bomb dropped through their roof and lodged in the basement. Years later, after a return to Berlin and a house that was eventually located within the American Sector, Brigitte met US Air Force master sergeant Ralph Gier. After Ralph’s service was complete he returned to Berlin to fetch Brigitte and they married in Las Vegas. The Atlantic Richfield refinery at Cherry Point brought the Giers to Ferndale in 1971. Brigitte enjoyed gardening, reading mysteries and traveling. She was also fond of slot machines and Chardonnay. She was known for her intricately knitted sweaters frequently distributed to family. She was preceded in death by her best friend and loving husband Ralph Gier on February 25, 2021. She is survived by her sister Jutta Friedrich, daughter Joan Gardiner (Bill), son Hoyt Gier (Donita), five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A private family ceremony was held in Maui, one of Brigitte’s favorite places. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .