Norene L. (Tognoni) Brinker

Norene L (Tognoni) Brinker of St. James, Mo. passed away on April 25, 2018 at her home in St. James, Mo. She was 85 years, 6 months and 15 days of age.

Norene L. Brinker was born on October 10, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri to her parents Edward and Catherine (Corea) Tognoni. Norene L. Tognoni was united in marriage to Jerome Brinker on April 11, 1953 in St. Louis, Mo. Of this union they were blessed with 11 children.

Surviving Norene L. Brinker are sons: Bill Brinker and wife Sandy of St. James, Mo.; John Brinker and wife Terri of Eureka, Mo.; Joe Brinker and wife Anna of Jacksonville, Fla.; Rich Brinker and wife Theresa of Lee's Summit, Mo.; Mike Brinker and wife Marsha of St. James, Mo.; Don Brinker and wife Barb of Raymore, Mo.; daughters: Chris Brinker of St. James, Mo.; Bobbie Stevens of St. James, Mo.; Gerrie Brinker and partner Terry Gentry of St. Clair, Mo.; Diane Stammers and husband Joe of St. James, Mo.; and Jean Matlock and husband Bill of St. James, Mo.; brothers: Edward Tognoni and wife Alina of Miami, Florida; and James Tognoni and wife Kate of Lake St. Louis, Mo.; sisters: Dolores Johnson of St. Louis, Mo.; and Joann Tognoni and husband Ron Peevy of Huntington Beach, Ca. Sister-In-Law and best friend Milada Brinker of St. James, MO; and sister-in-law Barbara Brinker of St. Louis, MO. Norene is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren along with other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents: Edward and Catherine (Corea) Tognoni; husband: Jerome Brinker; sisters: Theresa Tognoni and Elsie O'Neill; brothers-in-law: Thomas Brinker, Bob O'Neill, and John Johnson. Grandchild: Jessica Brinker.

Norene and Jerome's most important responsibility was accomplished in introducing all their children to Jesus Christ. Norene L. Brinker was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a great conversationalist, an intent listener, had a wonderful sense of humor, always made you feel like you were the most important person when you were talking with her. She put her husband's and children's needs before her own. As her husband worked up to three jobs at one time to support the family, Norene stayed home to raise the children and make the house a home. She enjoyed getting together with other mothers and their children in the neighborhood to iron clothes together. She sewed, bowled, camped, floated the Current River in her younger years. She enjoyed her IPAD that was gifted to her by her children at her 80th birthday, where she spent many hours playing Words With Friends and gazed upon all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren through Facebook. Crossword puzzles were a part of her morning coffee routine.

Norene wish was to have her body donated to St. Louis University.

Mass of Christian Burial will held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic church in St. James, Mo. with Father Henry Ussher officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to OLMC Mission, MEMO: Ghana Project. (This is a project that was very dear to Norene. It is a medical clinic that is being built in Asankran Bremen, Western, Ghana. This is Father Ussher's home town.)

You can mail your contributions to C/O Jean Matlock 15020 CR 1120, St. James, MO 65559, or envelopes will be at the Jones Funeral Home.

On-Line condolences may be offered at the Jones Funeral Home website at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

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