Brigitte Gaugel Gaglio

Brigitte Gaugel Gaglio, age 78 of Eureka Springs, AR, left this world on November 7, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Brigitte was born in Geislingen an der Steige, Germany in 1947 to renowned artist Heinz Gaugel and Ilse Pieper, a pianist and piano teacher in the Niagara region. Brigitte emigrated to Canada at the age of three and lived in North Bay, St. David’s and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Brigitte was an honorary member of the Tuscarora tribe located near Lewiston, New York, through her father Heinz. In 1973 she moved to the United States and lived in Missouri, Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas. While living in New Orleans, Brigitte met her husband John and the two narrowly escaped Hurricane Katrina. They relocated to Fayetteville, Arkansas and worked to support other survivors of the hurricane.

Brigitte was a concert violinist and taught at the Bradley Institute of Music in Niagara Falls, Ontario. She attended Niagara University and earned a BA in Philosophy, as well as an MA in Philosophy from St. Louis University. Brigitte was an artist, author, was fluent in five languages, and enjoyed traveling and the outdoors.  She loved to cook traditional German recipes, and her Christmas cookies were always highly anticipated by friends and family. Brigitte was always kind and helpful to people and animals in need around her.

Brigitte was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband John, daughters Kathleen (Russell) and Tara (Jennifer), her grandchildren Kyra, Melissa (Jacob), Kelson (Karlye), great-grandson Elijah and beloved dog Marzi. She will be deeply missed by her friends and family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home in Green Forest. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

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