Elisabeth A. Brinkley

Elisabeth Annemarie Brinkley, 86, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026. Elisabeth was born in Ulm, Germany on May 24, 1940 to Gerhard and Maria Glauch. The eldest of 5 sisters, Elisabeth grew up and attended Catholic schools in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region. Elisabeth met and married the love of her life, Edwin Brinkley in 1962. She was a committed partner to Ed through their many moves as a U.S. Army family, until making the decision to make El Paso their family home in 1970.

Elisabeth was very involved in the Ft. Bliss and El Paso Communities and was an active member of the PTA for each of her four children’s schools. Elisabeth was a long-standing, dedicated member of numerous local civic organizations. She participated and held offices in many of these organizations which include the American Association of University Women, Catholic Women of the Chapel, El Paso Diocese, the Society of Military Widows, the Military Officers Association of America, Retired Officer’s Wives Club, and the Ysleta Retired Teachers Association. Additionally, Elisabeth was truly honored to be a founding member of the El Paso Chapter of the Gold Star Wives. Throughout her life, Elisabeth believed in the importance of charity, and she generously gave her time, energy, and money to multiple Catholic humanitarian organizations.

Elisabeth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and later earned a Master of Science in Education from Illinois State University while Ed completed his Medical Residency in Peoria, Illinois.

Elisabeth was a very supportive wife and mother. Elisabeth supported her husband’s efforts as a Real Estate and Patent Broker after his military retirement. She had a talent for learning languages and learned Spanish so she could translate all of Ed’s class lectures while he attended medical school in Juarez, Mx., ensuring his successful completion and graduation from the program.

Upon returning to El Paso in 1985, she earned her teacher’s certificate. She taught at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and another 10 years at Mission Valley Elementary in the Ysleta ISD, ultimately retiring from teaching to take care of her husband during his final illness. In the early 2000’s, Elisabeth became a devoted member of the Secular Franciscan Order and a steadfast parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and daily mass at Ft Bliss Chapel 2. She believed in and practiced a life of service to her community and the many people she met along the way.

Elisabeth will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She enjoyed entertaining and feeding everyone she loved. Elisabeth loved and cherished her family, many friends, the military community, and the Catholic Church. Her warmth, caring spirit, generosity, and beautiful big smile will always be remembered and held dear in our hearts.

Elisabeth is predeceased by her parents, her husband Lt. Col. Edwin T. Brinkley, M.D., daughter Capt. Patricia Brinkley, M.D., and sister Gisela.

She is survived by her daughters Angela Brinkley and Barbara Brinkley Lopez (Adan), son Lt. Col. Edwin T. Brinkley (Julie), and sisters Susi Mashrafi (Mohammed), Gerda Einsiedler (Dieter) and Gaby Eberle (Horst). She is survived by seven grandchildren, Kenneth King, Dominic King, Rachel Robins, Reilly Robins, Edwin Brinkley, Bill Brinkley, Thomas Brinkley, and two great-granddaughters.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 4:00 pm; the Rosary will begin at 6:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home (4631 Hondo Pass).

Mass for Elisabeth will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 9:30 am at Chapel No. 2 on Fort Bliss.

Elisabeth will be laid to rest with her husband at 11:00 am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Fort Bliss day pass information can be found at this website https://bliss.armymwr.com/happenings/fort-bliss-community-pass