Brigitte Vredenburg

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Brigitte Vredenburg, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend. Born Brigitte Hopfner on January 5, 1948, in Nieder-Ramstadt, Germany, Brigitte lived a rich and vibrant life that touched all who knew her. On May 25, 2026, after a courageous five-month battle with illness, she passed away peacefully in her sleep, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.

Brigitte, lovingly known to many as Gitta, Lola, Oma, Grandma Gitta, Mother Dearest, was born to Anna Hopfner and raised amidst the stories and heritage of her homeland. She brought a piece of Germany with her when she moved to Levittown, New York, during her teenage years, where she had to quickly learn the English language and completed her high school education.

Her life's journey was marked by love, resilience, and devotion to her family. She first married Joseph Catanese, and together they welcomed four children: Dean, Anthony ("Baby Anthony"), Michael, and Nicole. Tragically, Joseph passed away shortly after their family was established, leaving Brigitte to navigate the challenges of raising her young children. She also endured the unimaginable heartbreak of losing her beloved son, Anthony, affectionately known as "Baby Anthony," who passed away at just one year old after spending his entire life in the hospital.

Following Joseph's passing, Brigitte married Anthony Catanese, who lovingly embraced Dean, Michael, and Nicole as his own. He became the father they knew, loved, and cherished throughout their lives. In 1986, the family relocated to El Dorado Hills, California.

In April 1992, Brigitte found lasting love once again when she married Scott Vredenburg. Together they built a life filled with happiness, companionship, and unwavering support. Their journey took them from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Citrus Heights, California, where they settled in 1998 and created a home surrounded by family and friends. They shared 33 wonderful years together until Scott's passing on September 11, 2025, which left Brigitte heartbroken.

Throughout her life, Brigitte was a devoted homemaker whose deepest pride was rooted in her roles as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She poured her heart into nurturing her family, always ready with the best laugh and most radiant smile. Her generosity knew no bounds- she would gladly give the shirt off her back to those she cherished. Known for her feistiness, humor, strong will, and loving heart, Brigitte was a pillar of strength and care in her family. Her Christian faith remained a source of strength through life's joys and challenges, and she found comfort in God's grace and promises.

Brigitte had a passion that brought joy not only to her but to those around her: her business, Brigitte’s Treasures. A true bargain hunter and antique enthusiast, she delighted in thrifting, visiting estate and garage sales, and lovingly refurbishing furniture. Her artistic spirit shone through in the craftsmanship that she used to transform ordinary finds into treasured keepsakes. She also had a fondness for antique dolls and crafting, creating beauty from the old, forgotten, and overlooked.

Those who knew Brigitte remember the sparkle in her eyes when she shared stories from her German childhood and the playful moments when she taught her family pieces of the German language. Her love for music was legendary within her circles- she danced the night away to Prince and Yaz, and rocked out to her favorite bands AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. She was a rocker through and through and made sure everyone knew that. Board games like Bargain Hunter and Yahtzee often filled her home with laughter and friendly competition, cementing memories that will never fade. Everyone will always remember her lasagna and baked ziti, which were, by all accounts, the best ever made. To anyone who had the honor of eating them, nothing else could compare.

Brigitte is survived by her devoted children, Dean Catanese, Michael Catanese (Angel), and Nicole Catanese (Kevin Jones). She was a cherished grandmother to Joseph Catanese, son of Michael and Angel, and to Nicole's children: Alexa LaRock, Bella Ferrera, Gianna Ferrera, and Noah Jones. Brigitte was also blessed with great-grandchildren, LouKaisee Meeks, Myla Meeks, and Ayva Meeks, children of Alexa LaRock and her husband, Tyler Meeks. She also leaves behind her loving in-laws, Gordon and Kathy Vredenburg

We also remember with reverence those who left before her: her beloved husband Scott Vredenburg; her dear son "Baby Anthony" Catanese; her first husband Joseph Catanese; her parents Paul and Anna Schwarting; and her Oma and Opa, Friedhof and Katharina Hopfner.

Brigitte’s life was a testament to love, laughter, faith, strength, and the beauty found in small treasures. Her spirited presence, warm heart, unwavering belief in God, and boundless generosity have left an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and eternally remembered by her family and all whose lives she touched.

May Brigitte’s soul rest in peace, embraced by the love of God, the melodies she loved, the stories she so generously shared, and the loved ones who went before her.