Gigi Sullivan

Joyce Gigi Sullivan, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Brainerd on Friday, March 1st, 2019 surrounded by family and friends, after a 16 month battle with cancer.

Gigi was born June 8th, 1941 in Pueblo, CO to Jack Edward and Billie (Mathews) Arrington. She was a graduate of San Rafael High School, attended Southern Colorado State College and California State College-Sonoma, and was a graduate of American Institute of Banking in Seattle, WA. Gigi was employed by Bank of Marin, CA; Scherber Properties, Wayzata, MN; Browning Ferris Industries, Eden Prairie & Bloomington, MN. Gigi & Ross lived all over the country and eventually retired to their lake home on North Long Lake, Brainerd, MN in 1999. In 2001 Gigi went to work for Crow Wing Power for 11 years until retiring in May 2012. Gigi was a Girl Scout and 4-H leader in CA. She was very involved with Good Samaritan Auxiliary. She was a Kinship Partner for 11 years, a member of the Razzle Dazzle Rubies Red Hats, Nisswa American Legion Quilting, and Lets Go Fishing Brainerd Chapter. Gigi is known for lighting up the room with her smile and kept everyone on their toes with her spark. Because of her open & welcoming heart, her home became “the cabin” for many, where she often shared her wisdom & stories, but was just as quick to listen to yours. She loved scrapbooking, stamping, quilting, and laughing with friends, family, & neighbors.

Gigi is survived by her daughter Lori Bottenfield; grandchildren Dustin Oldenburg, Blair, Bailey & Brieann Bottenfield; granddaughter-in-law Jaime Oldenburg; great grandchildren Hailey Oldenburg & Dylan Schliep, of MN; Brother James Arrington, nephew Jack Arrington, sister-in-law Adrienne Dalton , nieces Paula & Lori Wilson, of CA; cousins Jim Trembly, Suzie (Charles) Garcia, Butch (Michelle) Trembly, of CO, Randy (Nancy) Stevens, of AR, Roxanne (Sam Allen) Trembly, Mitch Posey, of KS; and great nieces & nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by husband Ross; mother Billie and step-father Ralph Spitzer; cousin Billie Mae; and grand-daughter Nicole.

A visitation is being held on Thursday, March 14th from 5pm-7pm at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter, MN. Services for Gigi will be at 11am on Friday, March 15th at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel with Pastor Gary Brink officiating. There will be a luncheon immediately after the service, followed by the interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Brainerd, MN.