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Barbara Anne Brewster, 53
Barbara Anne (Barby) Brewster died peacefully at St. Elizabeth Central, Lafayette, on Jan. 12, 2013. Born November 9, 1959, in Lafayette, she was the daughter of James H. and Christine B. Brewster, of West Lafayette.
Despite the afflictions she was born with, she found great joy in life, in music of all kinds, especially brass bands, bagpipes, organ, Lafayette Symphony, attending Purdue women's basketball games, swimming, hiking, camping with the family and working in the sheltered workshop of Greenbush Industries.
When she was born, we asked "Why?" but received no answer until the question was rephrased, "Did her life make a difference?"
Now, fifty years later, the answer is robustly affirmative. She brought the gifts of pure innocence, joy and unconditional love as a blessing to everyone who knew her.
Beyond that, she influenced her mother to act as a vigorous lobbyist for the Arc in the state legislature. There, thanks to the work of Sheila Klinker and Mike Gery, legislation mandating special education classes in the public schools was passed. Barby was in the first of the classes so established and went to the public schools until she was 18. After that she attended Stewart Home School in Frankfort, Ky. She came home for holidays and accompanied the family on camping trips to state and national parks in the South, Midwest, Far West and in Canada.
In more recent years, as her condition worsened, she lived in a group home under the loving care of Wabash Center and later Kindred Transitional Care.
Beside her parents, she leaves two sisters who gave her love and care and were with her at the end, Christine (Tina) Brewster-Wray (husband Michael), of Martinsville, and Tara (Mary) Athan (husband William), of West Lafayette.
A memorial service is pending and will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lafayette Symphony, the Arc of Indiana or Wabash Center: cards available at Hippensteel Funeral Home.
Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May the God of our fathers console you in your grief.
Sincerely,
Abbie & bob Benkeser
January 16, 2013
So very sorry for your loss, Lillie Fisher
January 15, 2013
James and Christine:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved, Barbara. May she rest in the peace of Christ and may God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.
Sincerely,
The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry
Lafayette Urban Ministry
January 14, 2013
Jim and Chris I am so sorry for your loss, but at the same time, I am happy for all the joy Barby brought you in her life.
MaryAnne Shamp
January 13, 2013
What a lovely tribute.
Bonnie Opperman
January 13, 2013
I enjoyed taking care of Barby.
Tracy Moore. Respiratory therapist
January 13, 2013
We always loved her smile and the way she liked to tickle us and giggle . You will be missed . Katie Gutwein
January 13, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the family at your time of loss. Having a child is a joyous event. I to asked why and found the answer your family has. Thank you for your work at the state level for all of our joyous children. What a wonderful smile!
A Mom
January 13, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
January 13, 2013
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