Christine Brandel Nigro

Christine Brandel Nigro, 77, of Jefferson City, died surrounded by her loved ones on May 30, 2026, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City.

Born Christine Ann Carlson in Monticello, Minnesota to Eric Carlson and Pearl Rodewald on November 7, 1948, she grew up on a farm with her three siblings, Marilyn Conlon, Dale Carlson, and Bob (Marcia) Carlson.  She graduated from Monticello High School in 1966, earned her diploma in nursing from the Swedish School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN in 1969 and later completed a Patient Care Administration Program at the University of Minnesota.  She worked for over 35 years as a Registered Nurse, spending most of her career working at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, in nursing administration including Director of Nursing.

In 1970, Christine and her life-long best friend Marla Abrahamson Buechter moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, where she met her husband Edward Brandel.  “Eddie and Chrissy” were wed in holy matrimony on June 6, 1980, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson City and had two daughters Erica Christine (David) Bruns and Chelsea Michelle (Kevin) Harrison.  Christine’s patience was the perfect balance to Ed’s brashness and quirky tendencies.  The Brandel home was filled with much laughter and lots of time spent working on projects, crafts, cooking and baking, and caring for the family’s many dogs and cats over the years.

Christine had that special something and saw the best in everyone.  Her kind and sweet presence was easily felt and everyone felt better when she was in the room.  She was a great listener, offering encouragement and guidance at just the right time with a gentle reassurance that everything would work out as it should.  “You’ll be fine,” she often said and she was always right.

It was clear she was born to be a nurse, wife, mother, and grandma.

Christine said that the best day of her life was when she became a grandma, “Grandma Tina” to seven grandchildren: Caroline Christine, David Edward, Claire Elaine Bruns, and Charli Ann, Mattie Mae Pearl, Liam, and Sammy James Harrison.  Her grandkids, sweetly referred to collectively as the “The Cousins”, loved visiting Grandma Tina’s house.  They spent hours exploring her old farmhouse and yard and eating special treats she’d make for them: chocolate peanut butter marshmallow rice crispy cereal bars, Grandma Tina’s special surprise trail mix, smores bars, molasses cookies, cheese potatoes and breakfast bake.  She enjoyed any time spent with her grandkids, including going to their activities and listening to their stories.  Her unconditional love and support she showered them with will be felt for their lifetime.

Following the death of her first husband Edward in 2008, Christine later married Anthony Nigro who died in 2022.  Christine was blessed with wonderful extended families, including her many nieces and nephews, and an extraordinary group of friends.  Many special times were spent going to coffee, vacationing together and walking at the park and mall over the years.

The family would like to thank Christine’s best friend Marla, niece Debbie Cornell, and friend Lynn Marty who spent special time with her and her family in the recent months, providing comfort, care and support.  Primrose Retirement Center, Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living Community Care Center, and Gentiva Hospice all provided exceptional care and community to Chris.

Visitation will be 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Tom Albers officiating and Deacon Brad Jones assisting.  Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

As an animal lover, memorials can be made in Christine’s name to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah and St. Peter’s Church.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com