Cecilia S. Brister

November 15, 1958 - October 8, 2020

When people think of strength, their first thought usually is not of a 5-foot Irish woman with a love for wine and knitting blankets. A woman whose nails were always painted, and who had a phone case for every holiday. This does not begin to scratch the surfaceof who Cecilia Brister was to the people who know her best, because to them, she was a warrior. Cecilia Brister was born in Long Branch, NJ on November 15th, 1958. She had a rough start losing both parents at a young age, only to be raised by her older sister Carol and husband Jake Broyles. She met her future husband, Edwin R. Brister, in high school and the two of them instantly hit it off. They were married, shortly after graduation, on August 4th, 1979 and that love for one another continued for her to her very last breath. Cecilia worked in banking as a teller right out of school and would ultimately retire as a Branch Manager of the Bank of America in Bradley Beach, NJ. She had many great experiences and made many lasting friendships along the way. Four years ago, Cecilia was diagnosed with cancer. As devastating as that news was to her and everyone around her, she decided to fight to the very end. She was an amazing woman who masked her tears with smiles and laughter, and never let you see the pain she felt inside. She was always available to help those in need and never let her illness define her. Between Chemo and Radiation treatments, she made pumpkin bread and did crafts with her grandchildren. She used her free time to knit dozens of beautiful blankets for family and friends, while catching up on all her favorite tv shows. When she had to say goodbye to her beautiful long hair as a result of those treatments, she decorated her bald scalp with intricate Henna tattoos. Cecilia loved to laugh with family and friends, whether it was on her boat during the summer months, or around a fire pit in the back of their Pemberton Ave home in the winter. She loved to decorate for the holidays, her favorites being Halloween and Christmas, and cooking Thanksgiving feasts. Family was her life, and even if she had only known you for a short time you became a member of that circle. Cecilia is survived by her older sister Carol Broyles and family; her husband Edwin R. Brister Sr.; her two sons Edwin R. Brister Jr and Benjamin J. Brister; her daughters in law Romanette and Debbie; her four grandchildren Liam, Cassidy, Nico, and Harley; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, and adoptive children from around the neighborhood. She was a rare soul that will forever live in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. Her light could never be extinguished, because she spent a lifetime passing it on to those whose paths were lucky enough to cross hers, making their futures that much brighter. A memorial visitation to celebrate Cecilia's life will be held 4-8 PM on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712. For online condolences, please visit Cecilia's memorial page at www.bongarzonefuneralhome.com **Due to the continued public health concerns of Covid-19, please know that there is an occupancy limitation which may cause a wait time, please be respectful of your time visiting. Masks must be worn on the nose and mouth inside the funeral home at all times.**