Resident of San Jose

Nanette Matthews Bringuel passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 7atthe age of 90. Nanette, known to many simply as “Nan”, was born at the French Hospital in San Francisco on October 21, 1934. She was raised in Oakland by her parents, Nellis and Ethel Matthews. She graduated from Piedmont High School in 1952. She learned to play the piano at an early age and continued playing for much of her adult life. For a number of years she commuted to work in San Francisco at the Federal Reserve Bank.

By the late 1950’s, she and her parents had moved to Willow Glen. On July 6, 1959, she married John Bringuel, her husband of 58 years until his passing in 2017. After a few years working at Crocker Bank, Nan became a full-time homemaker in 1961. For many years Nan and John were active members of the Portuguese American Club. Their social lives revolved around the monthly PAC events, and the countless parties and progressive dinners on Denise Drive.

Nan was a voracious reader, once saying she “would read the ingredients on a cereal box, just to be reading”.

Her evening routine for many years was centered on “Jeopardy” and Wheel of Fortune”, and in both cases she often knew the answer as fast as the contestants. Nan was anavid fan of the 49ers, Giants, and baseball in general.

Nan was a 3-time breast cancer survivor and faced many other health challenges over the last 40 years, but always maintained a positive outlook, preferring to talk about anything or anyone other than herself. She was a loving grandmother, attending numerous games and events despite her mobility challenges. She loved animals and always enjoyed the sleepovers and regular visits of all her grandogs. Nan is survived by her sons Mike (Andrea) and Jim, and her grandchildren Haley and Josh.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 5-8PM with Rosary at 7PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, where the Funeral Service will also be held on Thursday, January 23, 2024 at 11AM. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, or your local ASPCA.