Barbara Ann Brinkman (nee Carlozzi) passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024 at the age of 91. She was born on November 17, 1932 to Nicholas and Mae Carlozzi in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Cleveland, Ohio with her late brother, Todd Carlozzi. In 1954, she married Fred J. Brinkman in Cleveland, Ohio. They went on to have 6 children (Beth, Chuck, Joan, Todd, Tom, and Jim). For her husband’s work, they moved from Shaker Heights, Ohio to Atherton, California and eventually settled in Potomac, Maryland. 

She was a very special person to many, having an incredible knack for making everyone around her feel loved and cared for. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac, MD and created wonderful lasting memories and bonds with many individuals, sharing laughter and banter while duckpin bowling with her Old Buzzards team members at Congressional Country Club or as a member of the Potomac Village Garden Club. 

Above all else, Barbara deeply cherished her family and prioritized each and every one of her children. She poured her heart and soul into raising them, instilling in them the values of kindness, compassion, and resilience. As a grandmother of 17 children and great grandmother of 3 children she embraced the role of grandmother with open arms and cherished every moment spent with them, showering them with love and wisdom. Her legacy of compassion, kindness, and strength will live on through each generation. Despite Barbara being tiny in stature she was an amazingly strong individual. During her battle with Alzheimer’s, she continued to be a bright light bringing endless joy to her family’s lives. She will be missed immeasurably. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mae and Nick Carlozzi; her husband, Fred Brinkman, and her daughter, Beth Brinkman Stoycos. 

She is survived by her 5 children, Charles Brinkman (Melanie), Joan Brown (Oliver), Todd Brinkman (Holly), Tom Brinkman (Deborah) and James Brinkman (Silvana); 17 grandchildren, Matthew Stoycos (Kiersten), Robert Stoycos, Sarah Stoycos, Kristen Killie (Derek), Thomas Brinkman, Lee Brinkman (Ethan), Olivia Miller (Henry), Will Brinkman, Andie Brinkman, Jack Brinkman, Michael Brinkman, Jim Brinkman, Kevin Brinkman, Beth Anne Brinkman, Sophia Brinkman, Fred Brinkman and Nicole Brinkman; and 3 great grandchildren, Oliver Miller, Erin Stoycos and River Henry. 

The family will be holding a private service at Our Lady of Mercy in Potomac, Maryland on January 13, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross or Alzheimer’s Association. 

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