Obituary of M. Rachel Brunt

Mary Rachel Brunt, née Bramble, Pfohl, Bird known throughout her life simply as Rachel, died peacefully at home in Trumbull, Connecticut, on June 5, 2026. She was 89 years old.

Born on May 13, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rachel was the middle daughter of John and Anne Bramble and grew up in Baden, PA, where her determination and work ethic took root early. She was the first in her family to attend college, beginning a lifelong commitment to learning that would later include three master's degrees.

Rachel was predeceased by her husband's William M. Pfohl and Robert Bird and was survived by her husband William John "Jack" Brunt, with whom she shared many years of partnership, laughter, and deep companionship. She is also survived by her sons William Pfohl of White Plains NY and John Pfohl and his wife Dawn Of Trumbull CT; her sister Sara of Shelton, CT; eight grandchildren — William Cox (Anna), Joshua Pfohl, Victoria Discala (Vincent), Alexa McGowan (Timothy), Nathanael Pfohl, Amanda Pfohl, John Mitchell Pfohl Jr., and Anne Pfohl — and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Patricia.

A celebrated educator in the Fairfield Public Schools, Rachel taught Home Economics to both middle and high school students for over 40 years. She was known for her entrepreneurial spirit and her belief that learning should be practical, creative, and hands-on. She founded both a student-run restaurant and a preschool within the high school, offering students real-world experience long before experiential learning became a trend. Her signature phrase — "The first bite is with your eyes" — became a beloved motto for generations of students who learned from her not only how to cook, but how to take pride in their work.

Rachel's faith was central to her life. A devoted and active member of the United Methodist Church, she participated in the broader Methodist connection and understood her faith as love in action. She was the Director of Crop walk for the Town of Trumbull for 25 years making sure local communities were fed. Rachel traveled on six mission trips to Bolivia, served in countless ministries, and was a joyful, steady presence in the life of her congregations. At Long Hill UMC, she became a cornerstone of the annual Blueberry Festival, baking thousands of pies over the years — a labor of love that fed both body and spirit.

She was a woman of many gifts: an excellent cook, a skilled bridge player, an avid traveler, and someone who hosted her family and friends too many times to count. Whether it was PEO Kentucky Derby Day, ginger bread decorating with her grandchildren or hosting the many holidays for her friends and family including Memorial Day Parade, Rachel never disappointed as she always had every detail perfectly planned, from food to the decorations and always included her cherished traditional family games that will be carried on in her memory.

Rachel was also a loyal and trusted friend, someone who could always be counted on. She maintained deep, enduring friendships from High School in Ambridge Pa to Chenango Bridge, NY and finally in Trumbull CT with whom she remained connected all her life.

A memorial service will be held on August 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Rd., Trumbull with a reception to follow to celebrate her life.

In celebration of Rachel's life, donations are encouraged to Nichols United Methodist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org/ct causes that reflect her faith, her compassion, and her enduring commitment to caring for others.

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