Ethel Brokhoff Perricone

Ethel Brokhoff Perricone, a beacon of positivity and strength, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023, at the age of 93. Born in Auerbach, Germany, on January 26, 1930, to Alfred Brokhoff and Else Richter. Ethel's early years were marked by a joyful childhood in West New York, New Jersey, where she developed a lifelong love for writing and cooking.

Ethel completed her high school education in New Jersey in 1947 and embarked on a diverse career journey. She started as a secretary, later becoming a realtor in California, and finally retiring as an executive assistant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she settled in 1970.

Her personal life was filled with love and companionship, as she married Frank Robert Perricone on February 25, 1950. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of their children.  She is survived by her children Diane Perricone McAndrew (William McAndrew) of Spartanburg, SC; Michael Andrew Perricone (Debra Fleming) of Boston, MA; and Laura Jean Perricone (Trent Pruett) of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren Ryan Michael McAndrew, Kyle William McAndrew, Anna Perricone Pruett and Matthew Davis Perricone, and 5 great grandchildren.  

Ethel's talents and passions were manifold. She was an avid writer, contributing articles to newspapers and websites, and was known for her exceptional culinary skills. Her flair for design was evident in everything she did. A beloved member of the Spartanburg Garden Study Club, where she served as president from 2013 to 2014, she also found joy in the simpler pleasures of life, like playing canasta and nickel-nickel with friends. Ethel was a long time volunteer with Spartanburg County Public Libraries.

Remembered for her unwavering positivity, optimism, and sweet disposition, Ethel was the epitome of mental strength. She was the matriarch of a family that adored her - a family that extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom cherished her deeply.

A celebration of Ethel's life will be held in Spring 2024, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory. Ethel Brokhoff Perricone lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of many. Her legacy of love, strength, and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be sorely missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her loved ones.

In  Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Nature Conservancy at 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, Va 22203 or Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, PO Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC. 29306