Marie Santoro Brigham

A funeral service for Marie Santoro Brigham, 92, will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Dr., Benton, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating the service will be Father Boscoe.

Marie was born on March 14, 1933, to John and Josephine Santoro in Shreveport, Louisiana, and passed away peacefully in Bossier City, Louisiana, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, surrounded by her son, daughter-in-law, and priest.

Marie graduated from Bossier High School, where she displayed her incredible musical talent as the first chair tenor saxophone in the state champion Bossier High Band. Her passion for music and dedication to her craft were sources of pride and inspiration for those around her.

Marie’s life changed forever when she met Charles Brigham, the love of her life, after he returned home from the Korean War. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with adventure, family, and a deep bond that carried them through the years. Marie shared her love of travel with her family, creating treasured memories during camping trips and other journeys.

As a substitute teacher, Marie discovered a love for teaching and the children she worked with. What started as a temporary position quickly turned into a role she cared deeply about, and she brought warmth and compassion to every classroom she stepped into.

Marie found joy in the traditions she shared with her church group, spending hours rolling and baking Italian cookies to sell, with every dollar raised going back to support the church. It was a labor of love, filled with laughter, friendship, and a deep commitment to her faith. Her Sons of Italy group was another cherished part of her life, where friends gathered to share meals and enjoy each other’s friendship and company.

Marie’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life, shaping her values and guiding her with strength and purpose. It brought her peace and became a source of unity and love for her family, who shared in its traditions and teachings. Her faith was not just a belief but a powerful bond that enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

Marie lived a life full of love, laughter, and kindness. Her warm spirit and positive outlook left a mark on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Charles Brigham, Sr. She is survived by her son, Charles Brigham, Jr., and wife, Allison; grandson, Martin Brigham, and wife, Katelyn; her great-grandchildren; brother, Butch Santoro and wife, Vickie; nieces, Holley and husband, Eddie Banks, Jennifer and husband, Scott Keyes; nephew, Michael Santoro and her great-nephews and nieces.

Honoring Marie as pallbearers will be Mike Brock, Al Daley, Jim Whitman, Donald Digilormo, Johnnie Brunson, and Tristan Santoro. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Butch Santoro and Lance Rabalais.

The family would like to thank all the people who helped her at Pilgrim Manor, especially her nurse, Katoria, Miss Brenda, and Miss Allison, who helped her in so many ways. Also, her hospice nurse, Autumn, and Dr. Angelo, for the care and compassion given. A special thank you to Hannah Culpepper, the family’s long-time friend, who lovingly took care of Marie’s only son, Chuck, when he was little, and then Marie herself for the last ten years of her life.