MISS JEAN CECILIA BREWER

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• The only other nurse that had 'laser' eyes like Jean Brewer was my mother, a nursing supervisor at St. B. "Do not cross" indeed! Stern seems to be a theme that implies rigidity...she was nothing like that. She supported and tweaked nursing principles in the 'new' curiculum (teaching & learning-Ms. Honor Waithe) in the 1980 & 81 grad classes. She had faith in the programs and ALL the students she personally interviewed to enter those programs. I am the nurse I am today because of her ability to see through to what motivates people and channel that energy into helping. I'm forever grateful to her ability to be forward looking in changing the program from lectures and exams to one that engaged adult learners to learn how to teach themselves. That was a GREAT leap of faith in 1979, when she had worked all of her nursing career in the status quo. She was a true leader who shone a light on the path, instead of demanding a following, even though it could try her patience sometimes. - Posted by: Terry Pendergast RN (Class of 1981) on: Jun 13, 2021

• Miss Brewer was an amazing teacher @ MGH. She was strict but was also our biggest fan as we stood at graduation holding our roses. She was passionate about nursing and wanted to mold us into being good nurses. Later meeting Miss Brewer at reunions it was nice to hear how she kept herself busy and enjoying her life. I appreciate all your encouragement. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Former student (@ MGH) on: Apr 30, 2018

• I was in class 1962B. Miss Brewer taught me pharmocology. She always called me Jackiew, in a stern voice. I made sure that I got really good grades in her classes. I held a healthy respect for her. In later years, we would meet at the 50th and 55 th nursing reunions, and I would buy her a glass of wine and toast her unique style. She was a no nonsense instructor and you always knew your place. She held high standards and expected you to try your best to achieve what you were capable of. - Posted by: Donna Jackiew Sabina Mcvety (former student) on: Apr 29, 2018

• I was saddened to learn of Jean's death. Jean was one of my teachers and, later, colleague in the school of nursing. Jean had expectations and values which she upheld, communicated and demonstrted regarding nursing and caring. I value very much having known Jean and learning from her. She will always be remembered with affection and respect. - Posted by: Jacqueline ( Jacquie ) Senning (Former student and later teacher at the Misericordia) on: Apr 29, 2018

• I will always remember Jean Brewer. Jean was the Co-ordinator of the Miscericordia School of Nursing. She ran that School of Nursing like a sergeant at an army barrack. She was stern with her approach and strict with the rules. Learning was tough at times to keep with her standards but you learned what it took to be a good and caring nurse. I have continued in my nursing studies and now instruct in a nursing program. I thank-you Jean, for being one of my teachers, teaching me to be the nurse I am today. - Posted by: Sandra Trubyk (Former student (1986-1988)) on: Apr 20, 2018

• Jean was my supervisor at Misericordia School of Nursing while I worked as a teacher in the 1980’s & 1990’s. She was a tough boss, but a fair one with a kind heart. I will never forget her compassion & kindness when my mother passed away. Later it was my honour to succeed her when she retired. Needless to say, hers were big shoes to fill! We maintained contact over the years and had many opportunities to deepen our friendship. I appreciated her straight forward approach to life and enjoyed her company. Pat & I will miss her very much. Our thoughts & prayers are with her entire family. Peri Venkatesh - Posted by: Peri Venkatesh (Friend & colleague) on: Apr 19, 2018

• Miss Brewer was an icon at Misericordia. She reflected the core values of MGH with her caring and compassion. Her years of volunteering were a real inspiration. Condolences to her family. - Posted by: Joy Lussier (Former nursing student) on: Apr 19, 2018

• First met MISS BREWER in 1973 and wow I knew then NEVER to cross her or do something wrong. Yes, she appeared strict to us new young ladies and a few men. But she was a lasting GOOD memory of Misericordia ......... Even the last time I saw her in person I just couldn't call her JEAN it was "Miss Brewer". A wonderful person and will be missed.......... my sincere sympathy to the family. - Posted by: Irene (Friend and one of her students ) on: Apr 19, 2018

• 50 years of life experiences and this lady still stands out in my mind. Yes, she was (in our young minds) very stern and imposing, always right and demanding that we be right, but the values she taught me have stood the test of time. However, the memory I hold dear was a time when she met a few of us walking through the tunnel. We were working on a song (and it's harmonies) and she stopped us, in her usual stern way and said "who was whistling those harmonies". You did not question her authority and upon my admission of guilt she commented "that was just beautiful" Jean, because of you, I went on to successfully raise a family supported by my nursing skills and yes, I am still singing harmony. Rest well after a life well lived. The world is better because you lived. - Posted by: Susan J White (Nursing Student 1967 - 1970) on: Apr 19, 2018

• Jean will be missed by many former students and friends. I will miss our annual cards at X-mas. Her friendship and support over many years. A salute to you Miss Brewer!! Ron - Posted by: Sir Ronald de Witt (Former student ) on: Apr 19, 2018

• I first met Jean as a student and she scared the daylights out of all of us. She was firm but fair and very caring. I graduated, received my BN and then began working as an instructor at the school. There I learned how caring and compassionate she was and how passionate she was about nursing. She was an inspiration. She will be missed - but her impact on nursing will go on for many years. Thanks Jean and God Bless! - Posted by: Rod Kebicz (Former student and colleague at the MGH School of Nursing ) on: Apr 18, 2018

• Rest In Peace Jean Brewer. So many years I have seen Jean volunteering at Misericordia. Always smiling, greeting people. A very happy lady. You will be missed by many. - Posted by: Gloria Nagy (friend at Misericordia Health Care Center) on: Apr 18, 2018

• Jean was our former neighbour on Neptune Bay before we moved to B.C. 27 years ago but has kept in touch ever since. I was very saddened today to read of her passing and wondered if she were doing okay since I didn't hear from her last Christmas. She was always kind and allowed us to use her garage for a "sale" when we were moving. She also addressed our daughter's wedding invitations in "calligraphy". We offer our sincere sympathy to all her family. She was a lovely lady! - Posted by: Jean Donaldson (Former neighbour and friend) on: Apr 18, 2018