Yairis Gisselle "GiGi" Brito

December 9, 2000 - September 23, 2020

UTICA - Yairis Gisselle Brito, age 19, passed away and went home to the Lord on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Born in New Hartford on December 9, 2000, Yairis was the daughter of Marlene E. Lora and Felix Brito. Her step-dad, Jaime “Tito” Mateo also shared the joy of raising her. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 2019. She continued her education at SUNY Buffalo State College where she was on the Dean’s List for achieving superior grades. She was majoring in Childhood Education to become a teacher and this fall was starting her sophomore year virtually. She had all the qualities that would have made her an excellent, energetic educator. Yairis was involved in instructing and entertaining children at the Family Fun Factory and the Rockin’ Jump amusement centers. She was also adventurous, fair-minded, and grounded in her faith. Yairis was her mom’s first born; she was her first love and twin in many ways. Her dad Felix had a gracious love for her and she was the “apple of his eye.” Her brothers and sisters were close to one another sharing a typical sibling relationship. Tito, her step-dad, was her go-to man because he was a calming source in her life. Her aunts were beloved by her — Aunt Anel was her sidekick, and Aunt Kady was her constant source of comfort and a confidant for her complaints when she couldn’t get her way. Wela and Welo, her grandparents, were always checking in on her and they shared a special bond. Yairis remained true to herself in life amid all the changes in today’s world. She honored her family and was loyal to her many friends. She was her own “queen!” Yairis’ smile generated positivity and was a reflection of her sense of happiness and enjoyment. Yairis’ latest lark was a skydiving adventure! No one could have predicted that Yairis’ life would come to such a sudden passing, but we need to remember the tenacity and free spirit that lived within her soul. Yairis is survived by her mom and stepdad, Marlene Brito and Jamie “Tito” Mateo; her dad, Felix Brito; her siblings, Brendel Mateo, Katalina Mateo, Januel Mateo, Geoffrey Jones, and Delisanette Brito; and her maternal grandparents, Rudy and Yonis Lora. She also leaves her aunts, Kadelin Lora, and Anel Lora; her Brito aunts and uncles; great-aunts and great-uncles, many cousins; her high school sweetheart Na’siere Miller; her best friends, Jamilex, Nina, and Ericaury. Visitation will be held Monday from 3:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to the current restrictions, we will be operating at a limited occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the Brito/Lora family. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Yairis’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday evening at 5:00pm at the funeral home upon conclusion of visitation. Please take a moment to connect with her family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.