Who was Britney Gengel?

In 1990, Britney “Brit” Gengel was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to her loving parents, Cherylann and Len Gengel. The first born of three children, Brit was soon joined by her brothers, Richie and Bernie, to be raised in the sleepy little town of Rutland, Massachusetts. In her elementary years, you could find Brit on Glenwood road playing wiffle ball, floating around in the pool with her brothers, or practicing for a lip sync in the town’s talent show.

She was a born leader. At any given gathering, you’d see Brit, leading the way to building a fort in the woods or catching snakes in the backyard, with a group of kids trailing after her. She had a zest for life and fearlessness, even in her elementary years that made her magnetic to be around. She thrived in high school, collecting friends wherever she went. After high school, Brit fearlessly moved down south to begin college in Florida.

She quickly made a life for herself, meeting friends that became a home away from home and continuing to be the life of the party. As someone who was constantly caring about those around her, it was no surprise when Britney announced she was going to go on a mission trip to Haiti during her sophomore year winter break, to give back to the less fortunate.

Brit was truly motivated by making others feel cared about and loved, which is illustrated today in how much loss so many of us feel without her. Her altruism led her to Haiti and ultimately never left Haiti. Today, the children of Brit’s home serve as a testament to Brit’s spirit; vivacious, cared about, and loved.