Women of Bryan-Braker offer comfort, service

FAIRFIELD — No matter what aspect of customer service a client is seeking, the employees at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home are there to meet them.

A death isn’t always a sad thing and Bryan-Braker employees said they see all types of emotions of those who come in.

“Anything goes,” said Alicia Sephus, prearrangement counselor. “It shouldn’t always be about death and mourning. Everything doesn’t have to be tragic.”

Francie Bryan, funeral and cremation adviser, didn’t start in the business. After marrying Craig Bryan 13 years ago, she joined the funeral home business with no knowledge. That meant returning home to Fairfield, where she lived through high school. The couple now live in Vacaville.

She has since seen expansion into Vacaville and Dixon. That foray earned them Business of the Year honors in Dixon for 2012.

“It’s because of our employees and community involvement,” Bryan said. “We couldn’t be the organization we are without these women.”

Although she didn’t get into the business voluntarily, Bryan said the field that was once dominated by men is quickly becoming more populated by women. She quickly learned that she could use the marketing aspect of her career in television, but not much else would transfer.

“It’s been interesting,” she said. “I didn’t know anything when I started.”

Sephus said many who take nursing classes can use that knowledge in the mortuary field as well. Camille Garrett, chapel attendant and limousine driver, said the faith side of the business also tends to lend a helping hand and console others.

“You find more women reaching out to comfort,” Garrett said.

Garrett said when people come in, they are the boss. Staff will work with family or friends on creating something with a personal touch.

“It’s however the family chooses. It’s whatever they want,” Garrett said. “I see it as one-stop shopping. Each woman represents a vital part of the service they receive.”

Offering so many services, as well as running a crematory on Union Avenue, Bryan said every day can offer something new.

“There’s no day that’s ever the same,” Bryan said. “There’s never a dull moment.”

Reach Danny Bernardini at 427-6935 or dbernardini@dailyrepublic.net. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dbernardinidr.

Danny Bernardini

Danny is a newspaper man born and raised in Vacaville. He attended Chico State University and has written for the Enterprise Record and the Reporter. Covers the City of Fairfield, education and crime. A's, Warriors and Saints fan. Listener of vinyl, frequent visitor to the East Bay. Registered "decline to state" voter. Loves a good steak.

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