Obituary for Joan Sara Brigham

Dr. Joan Sarah Brigham of Galax, Virginia, passed away from sepsis in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 9th. She was born in Washington, D.C. on February 14, 1946, and was 78 years old. Dr. Brigham was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Craig Brigham, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, who passed away in 2013. 

Joan spent her formative years in East Lansing, Michigan, and pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. Later, she entered medical school at Michigan State University, where she excelled in the field of internal medicine. Dr. Brigham was a trailblazer for women in medicine during a time when the profession was largely male-dominated. She was deeply cherished by her patients and distinguished for her holistic approach to treatment. 

A long-time resident of Charlotte, Dr. Joan Brigham was not only dedicated to her professional endeavors but also actively engaged in numerous charitable organizations, most notably Violins for Hope, International House and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. She was known for her home hospitality and bringing diverse people together in friendship as a result of her inspiring and magnetic personality.  

Joan was deeply proud of her Jewish heritage and actively engaged in the Jewish community. Upon moving to Charlotte in 1988, she became a member of various synagogues in the region, with a special affinity for Ohr HaTorah and Chabad of Charlotte. Over the course of her life, Joan traveled to Israel multiple times, with her initial visit occurring in 1967 shortly after the Six Day War. Planting trees in Israel brought her great joy. She found great meaning in reading the Bible, with a particular focus on studying the Prophets and Psalms. 

Joan was a passionate art and antique collector. Her collections included a diverse array of fine paintings and furnishings spanning different periods and styles, all thoughtfully displayed in her home. She cherished her time enjoying the beachfront at Fripp Island SC and her garden in Galax, VA. In her later years, Joan enjoyed watching basketball and football, passionately supporting the Michigan State Spartans and the Golden State Warriors. Her greatest joy was her six grandchildren.  

She is survived by her daughter, Esther Fisher, aged 38, residing in Zichron Yaakov, Israel, along with her son-in-law, Collin Fisher, and their three children, Simcha, Yosi, and Chana. She is also survived by her daughter, Faith Leener, aged 36, living in Brooklyn, N.Y., her son-in-law, Rabbi Jonathan Leener, and their children, Yehuda, Hannah, and Tikvah. Furthermore, she is survived by her brother, Louis Wein, aged 81, from Evanston, IL, and her sister, Dr. Margaret Wein, aged 73, from Wilmette, IL.  

Interment will be conducted on June 11, at Heritage Funeral Home, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Weddington NC.