Brigitte Rich

Brigitte Ursula Rich, age 83 of Henderson, TN, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

She was born in Poland, on April 12, 1942, to the late Horst Klaus Jablonski, and the late Ursula Marie Penchaski Buterbaugh.

On July 7, 1967, she married James Robert Rich, Sr., who preceded her in death on December 5, 2019.

Brigitte was Catholic in faith and attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson, TN. She formerly attended Holy Cross Catholic Church in Paris, TN. She worked for 15 years as a cafeteria manager in the Ysleta Independent School District, in El Paso, TX, and as a receiving clerk for AAFES before she retired. Brigitte enjoyed crocheting, gardening, birdwatching, baking, cooking, and playing bingo.

She is survived by three children, Debra Seager of Ayers, MA, Tina (Michael) Rich Solberg of Jackson, TN, and James Robert (Cathie) Rich, Jr. of Jackson, TN; a sister, Roberta (Ralph) Clark of Ohio; two brothers, Kurt (Sherry) Buterbaugh of Harrodsburg, KY, and Grant (Kathy) Buterbaugh of Richmond, VA; and five grandchildren, Brigitte Gail (Sam Brewer) Passman of Lebanon, TN, Aleece Marie (Alex) Passman Pope of Buchanan, TN, Brandy Seager of Ayer, MA, Brandan Seager of Fitchburg, MA, and Brenda (Jason) Champagne of Townsend, MA; and two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Champagne, and JJ Champagne.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Brigitte May Hayes, who preceded her in death on January 1, 2026.

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242, is handling the arrangements. Her remains are to be cremated with memorial visitation held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson, TN, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., with a rosary service beginning at 10:30 a.m., and a memorial mass starting at 11:00 a.m.

Inurnment will follow at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads at 1:30 p.m.