Ione Brodigan

ione brodigan
Ione Kathryn Campbell Brodigan, "Grandma Dot," died Saturday, August 8th at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo. She was 95. Ione was born January 17, 1920, in Brownwood Texas, to Joe and Josephine Campbell. She lost her mother at the age of two and spent many years in the care of other relatives until she and her sister finally found home in Moorhead with their beloved "Auntie." She graduated from Moorhead High School in 1938. She married James Brodigan on August 26, 1939, and they made their home in Fargo raising nine children, each of them her favorite. Raising her children was Ione's life work, but she also volunteered nearly every week for over 30 years at St. Vincent dePaul. She collected and sold antiques, loved to draw and paint, was an avid bridge player and could make nearly any letters work on a scrabble board. She also enjoyed camping, reading, and the joys of a large family. Ione lived her life with a twinkle in her eye and a wonderful sense of humor even in her later years when dementia had robbed her of her reality. She often joked with visitors and quipped, "If you can't be good, be careful!" Ione lost Jim in 1992 after fifty-three years of marriage. She was also preceeded in death by her son, James Jr., two grandchildren, Jodi and Debbie, two sisters, Betty Jo and Norma Ann, and a brother, Jim. Surviving Ione are eight children: Maureen Davies (Tom), Fargo; Judy Jacobson (Neal), Bismarck; Mike Brodigan (Judy), Texas; Laura Clegg (Dan), Colorado; Jo Brodigan (Fred), Montana; Jeff Brodigan (Dorothea), Jamestown; Betsy Ewen (Jon), Mayville; and Angie Lee (Scott), Idaho; a daughter in law, Linda Brodigan, Texas; a sister, JoAnne Childress, Texas; 29 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, friends and those she always made to feel part of her family. "Good Night and God Bless." Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 16 from 5:30-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo.

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  1. I work at Villa Maria in Fargo, ND. Ionne was one of my main and favorite residents. Her bright eyes, big smile, past stories and beautiful voice when ever she sang to me always made me smile and excited to be at work. She was greatly loved and she is going to be greatly missed. <3

  2. Ione is the best of the best. The staff at Villa Maria are exceptional, loving people. Our world is a better place because Ione was a resident.

  3. Maureen and Tom and family,

    Our sympathy to all of you. It sounds like Ione had a great life. You will miss her tho.

    Myrna and Bill

  4. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless the memory of your Mother.
    Laurie

  5. This lady was the first person to make me feel beautiful. She told me I was beautiful and truly meant what she was saying. She gave me many butterfly kisses and Eskimo kisses. Grandma was with us children when mom and dad were dealing with a very ill child, not even thinking twice about coming to watch us. She also was a great great-grandma. Grandma joined us for Easter one year and allowed my children to give her a make-over. She was full of spunk and had so much love for everybody. For a person with a poor outlook when younger, she created a world of joy and positive vibes for her children, grandchildren, and all of those in her life. Love you Grandma. Give butterfly kisses to Jodi and Debbie for me and one day I will be waiting for mine.

  6. Thoughts and prayers to your families. Ione was a very special lady. I remember her especially at Christmas because my favorite gift was her divinity. No one else ever came close. Her smile is also so vivid in my mind. Rest in peace Ione.

  7. I remember Mrs. Brodigan very well. As a friend of Laura’s, I always felt welcome in their home. God bless and comfort all of you. I will not be in town for the next week. I regret missing this opportunity to see you.
    I will pray for the family and for the repose of your mother’s faithful soul.
    Peace,
    Gayle Kranz Noraker

  8. Ione was a wonderful lady. Being a friend of her daughter, Jo, I met her on several occasions on their yearly camping trips to Montana. I was fortunate to join them camping in Mill Creek. Ione welcomed and fussed over all of her children’s friends as if they were her own. She was remarkable and I am so happy to have known her wonderful heart. She will be missed.

  9. Ione was a lovely, caring, beautiful woman with a huge heart! She spent many hours helping my Mother through a very difficult time in her life. She was always kind and cheerful when we came to St Vincent’s. The world is better for her having been in it.


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