Patricia Ruth (Pat) Brewer

In loving memory of Pat Brewer:

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Robert and Ruth Brewer. Preceded in death by her big brother, Bob, and her younger brother Bruce. Survived by her sisters Jerrie (Gene) and Sue, along with nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand niece and nephews.

Pat’s early childhood was spent in Burley, Idaho. She attended Miller Elementary School through the 4th grade. Then the family moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where she attended Yellowstone Elementary and Rock Springs Jr. High and Senior High. She moved to Price, Utah, finishing 11th and 12th grade at Carbon High.

When Pat was 4 years old, her older brother, Bob (who was 5), started piano lessons. Pat would avidly watch the piano lessons and afterwards would crawl up onto the piano bench and reenact the lesson. Pat performed regularly thereafter; playing duets with Bobby, recitals and appearances at Kiwanis and other service clubs.

As young adults, Bob played Rag Time and Pat played classical music.

Pat was awarded a full scholarship to BYU. She set her sights high, studying at seminars in Aspen and Austria during summer break. Her post-grad teacher, Joseph Kliass, convinced her to go to Juilliard, which led to Yale School of Music. She studied the Hungarian method of teaching music (Kodaly Method). She learned the Hungarian language in order to teach Kodaly to the school children in Hungary. This led to teaching the Kodaly method to college students at Yale half a day, and half a day at an elementary school in New Haven. She eventually became the Head of Faculty at the Kodaly Musical Training Institute (KMTI) in Boston. The friendships she made there never died. As recently as two years ago, she flew to New Haven to visit with her remaining Kodaly friends.

Her music studies led to her being a world traveler – Salzberg, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Turkey and Greece. Pat had a deep love of learning. Even in her late years, she was inspirational in her willingness to try new things. She took many OSHER classes at the U, studying American history and more. She was willing to try new things and encouraged others to try new things as well. She projected a contagious positivity about taking on the world in new ways.

Throughout her adventures she received 5 marriage proposals (that we know of), yet Pat knew what she wanted from life and the proposals came with stipulations that she stop her dreams and become a doting housewife. She wrestled with her decisions but true to form and with sadness but no regret, she would say that she was not willing to give up on her dreams.

In 1981, Pat’s youngest sister, Sue, gave birth to her first daughter. Pat decided it was time to come back to Utah to be with her growing number of nieces and nephews. She moved into her family home with her widowed mother. Pat loved being with the family, especially with the Hofelings (sister Jerrie, Gene, Kirk, Jen, Em and Ryan). Jerrie was sure to include Pat in family vacations, holidays and Jerrie’s famous Sunday dinners. One favorite story of their adventures involved white water rafting. The guides asked for volunteers to sit on the front of the raft. Jerrie and Pat volunteered. Sideways glances and shrugged shoulders from the guides – not long before Pat was washed overboard!

The Brewers would like to acknowledge Em’s devotion to and energy given to Pat. The hours she spent supporting her were many. Em was the biggest support to Pat in her final weeks. Many of those hours were spent looking for Pat’s missing glasses! (The family chose to have those glasses cremated with Pat, as they were only found after she didn’t really want or need them.)

Pat loved being with her niece Lara and Lara’s family. They took good care of each other. Anika and Henry loved her as a second grandmother. Their visits and artwork brightened her apartment.

Pat kept tabs on Sue and her daughters, Aleta and Mandy. She always saw the best in them and encouraged their potential.

Pat’s love, generosity and support was also directed towards the younger members of the family – dance lessons, Kindermusik, martial arts, knitting lessons, paying for private schools, and more. She would also bring meals to family members as a way of sharing time and love with them.

Pat decided to become a stock broker. She applied for a personal assistant position to the Executive Director, believing in the 'fake it 'till you make it' strategy. She would go to work, soak up all that was going on, and she learned what she needed to know. She became very skilled at investing and over the next several years she worked at 3 brokerage firms, moving up the ladders and excelling as she knew she would. She ended her brokerage career with Fidelity Investments.

Pat had 2 passions outside of work during this time: food and gardening. She did not do anything half-way. She focused in on recipes, cookbooks and cooking shows. Pat also took the Master Gardener course through Utah State University. She spent years cultivating her mother’s yard, front and back, making it an oasis for passers-by and visitors alike. Family and friends enjoyed many parties, weddings, events and family meals out on the deck, under the canopy of vining grapes and wisteria. The continuous flowerbeds and garden, all lovingly taken care of, were a delight to enjoy.

Pat was a very kind and generous person, believing everyone could do whatever their heart's desire was, just as she had done for herself. She made a point to interact with people in a way that made them feel special. She was vocally exuberant. Going to a movie or watching television with her was an experience: gasping, exclaiming, moaning, laughing. As stories go, she had always been this effusive. In her early travels, a friend’s family commented that they had never heard anyone enjoy eating as much as Pat did.

After her mother passed away, Pat set her attention on updating the house. Shortly after this she answered the door to someone asking if she wanted to sell her house. Unbeknownst to her surviving siblings she said yes and got it on the market, only then informing her siblings.

Very quickly the home sold, and Pat moved to Carlton Towers Condominiums in the Avenues. Pat was part of an important community at Carlton Towers. She participated in the Board of Directors and had many good friends. Nancy, Charlyn, Ozlen, and Elsa offered her friendship. She decided to focus in on Bridge as her parents were avid Bridge players. She took lessons and joined in games, both party (Contract) and Duplicate. This led to many lasting friendships, especially with Kay, Marilyn and Nancy. Clark, who was the man behind the scenes was another loved member of the Carlton community.

Though Pat had paid attention to politics, this attention increased in her retirement years. She enjoyed local news, The Daily Show with John Stewart, Rachel Maddow and other MSNBC commentators. Her last decade she would have MSNBC playing most of the time. She enjoyed the deep dives into issues and enjoyed talking to people about what she was learning.

When it became necessary for Pat to receive additional care, she was moved to The Ridge Cottonwood, where she spent her last few years. She was part of an active community at The Ridge. Book club, trivia, current events, concerts and fingernail polishing were some of her favorite activities. The care givers at The Ridge were wonderful. Pat would talk about Olga, Michael, Miles and others on the team. Their kindness meant a lot. The wonderful concierges at the desk were caring and welcoming as well.

Pat collected friends everywhere she went, continuing friendships from school and all the places she had lived. Two of her dearest friendships were her former BYU roommates, Sue, Maisy and Coralee. Pat was also the main link between extended cousins and the Brewers. We all appreciated the updates we received, about the Nelsons especially.

Pat lived a life as the main character in her story. She excelled in everything she chose to do. She would always find a way to get to where she wanted to go. She was a born leader, teacher and a caring and generous person.

Celebration of Life to be held at her sister’s home: 

Sue Parker; 1931 E Southmoor Drive (5110 South) in Holladay; Saturday, November 2 @ 1:00 pm.