Brigitte Tolksdorf

Brigitte Maria Tolksdorf (nee Fittkau), age 90, of Washington, passed away Monday, February 28, 2011, in Washington. Mrs. Tolksdorf was born January 10, 1921, in Tollnigk, East Prussia, Germany, the daughter of Hugo Fittkau and wife Anna (nee Harward). She was united in marriage to Heinz J. Tolksdorf, D.V.M., on December 12, 1951, in Xanten, Germany. In January 1952, she immigrated to the United States together with her husband and her daughter, Birgitta. An artistic woman, she was a classicial musician with a lovely lyric soprano voice, who sang for years in the St. Francis Borgia Church choir. She also was an amateur painter. She was a member of the Perpetual Adoration Society. A devout Catholic, she was known for her unfailing gentleness, compassion and generosity. A devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Tolksdorf is survived by her husband, Heinz Tolksdorf; two sons, Michael Tolksdorf of Washington and Matthias Tolksdorf and his wife Teresa of Jefferson City; three daughters, Birgitta Bannister of St. Louis, Barbara Winfrey and her husband Roger of Buckner, and Christa Owen, D.V.M., of Treasure Island, Fla.; one brother, Professor Ernst-Josef Fittkau of Munich, Germany; two sisters, Hiltrud Broach of Cologne, Germany and Christa Tolksdorf of Xanten, Germany; six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kimberley and Julia Tolksdorf, and Kinley, Roger-Douglas and Birgitta-Christa Winfrey; many nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many devoted friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Heinz Gerhard Tolksdorf (1959-1988); her brothers, Hugo, the Rev. Johannes and Monsignor Gerhard Fittkau; and her sister, Irmgard Fittkau. A memorial service was held Friday, March 4, at St. Francis Borgia Church, Washington, with Father John Mayo officiating. Memorials to St. Francis Borgia Grade School are preferred. The family was served by Miller Funeral Home, Washington.