Mary Jean Brine
MARY JEAN BRINE
1931 – 2025
Mary Jean Brine, long-time resident of Sacramento, died at home on January 3. She was 93. Born on September 17, 1931, in Williston, North Dakota, Jean was the daughter of James Kalil and Sophia Farris. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; stepfather, John Farris; brother, Richard Farris; sisters Margaret Kalil and Rose Ann Farris; and her husband of 58 years, Robert Brine.
Jean spent her formative years in Williston, North Dakota and moved with her family to Sacramento in 1948. She graduated from McClatchy High School and began working at the Department of Justice. Jean was an accomplished pianist who began lessons at 5 years old and started teaching piano herself when she was just 16. For many years, she taught at the Pease Conservatory of Music; as well as Music Theory at Sacramento City College. In addition, Jean taught piano to many students at her home and also played for many church weddings and funerals through the years.
Throughout her life, Jean played the organ while accompanying many local soloists and church choirs in the Sacramento region and also appeared on radio and television, including the Huell Howser show, “California Gold”, at the Stanford Mansion. In addition, under the auspices of the American Red Cross, Jean was in charge of providing entertainment for injured service men and women at Travis Air Force Hospital; and Mather, McClellan and Beale Air Force Bases. She was honored to receive a letter of appreciation from the President of the Red Cross in France since several of that country’s wounded service people were at Travis for treatment.
Following her marriage in 1957 to Robert Brine, Jean soon became mother to four daughters and when they were grown, she and Bob enjoyed travels to Hawaii and the Coast. She eventually returned to work for the State Employment and Development Department and travelled throughout California giving training seminars to local employees. In addition, Jean had a love of cooking, garnering success for her cookbook entitled “Perfectly Persimmon”.
Jean’s legacy will be that of a dedicated wife and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be sadly missed by her four daughters: Margaret Parilo and son-in-law Mike; Roberta Brine; Elizabeth Tatge and son-in-law Sam; and Diane Blume and son-in-law Dave. She was a proud grandmother to her 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren who will all cherish her memory.
Jean was a devout Catholic whose faith sustained her in her later years after her husband passed. Viewing will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, January 19, with the Rosary said at 1:00 PM at the George L Klumpp Chapel of Flowers, 2691 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 20, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 660 Florin Road, Sacramento. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 6700 – 21st Avenue, Sacramento. Reception to follow at Spaghetti Factory, 1910 J Street, Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacramento Life Center.
