Debbie Brewer and Linda in London (2012)
Posted on June 20, 2013
Jayne Stroh, thank you for delivering my eulogy for Debbie at her service on Thursday, June 20 in Plymouth.
Kieran, Siobhan, Richard, I am sorry I can’t be with you in person today to celebrate the life of your dear mum, Debbie Brewer. I thank you all for selflessly sharing her with our community for so many years.
Debbie was a beloved “Meso Warrior,” who left us with remarkable gifts of hope and friendship, along with a lasting legacy of her work to raise awareness about asbestos and asbestos-related disease.
I remember the first time I met Debbie at the June Hancock Mesothelioma Patient and Carer conference in 2008. I heard her passionate and powerful presentation that still echoes in my heart and mind. We instantly became friends.
Thanks to the Internet, our friendship effortlessly continued. Debbie had many extraordinary qualities, but most of all, she had the gift of selfless giving. She gave to each of you here today, and to countless in the UK and around the world.
Debbie was authentic, loyal, passionate, humorous, optimistic, and unquestionably the proudest mum ever. She would beam when she spoke about her children, or shared about a milestone or a family event.
Kieran, boy did you make your mum proud. You have a special place in my heart. Remember when we met for the first time in London? We had so much fun together. You patiently went to British Lung Foundation and Health and Safety Executive meetings with us. I saw how much you and your mum adored each other – a sweet and treasured memory for me. She excitedly shared with her Facebook family about your next journey in college.
In 2012, Debbie made a remarkable presentation and was recognized with the 2012 Alan Reinstein Award for her commitment to asbestos and mesothelioma education, advocacy, and personal support to countless patients and families. As Debbie said, “mesothelioma is a miserable disease” and conference attendees were mesmerized as they listened to this brave and fearless woman share her story. Debbie continued to share her crystal blue Alan Reinstein award to inspire others in Plymouth, London, and beyond. Her photos circled Facebook.
Debbie built a mesothelioma Facebook family. Through Debbie’s love and commitment, we have grown and fostered friendships around the world. Debbie knew life could and would be different if we shared our fears, pains, and lives with each other. Debbie was an incredible and empathetic listener. She always knew the perfect message for patients, carers, and their children.
When Debbie was in hospice, she wanted us to be strong and positive and it is no different now. As the entire ADAO community grieves with her family and friends, we must also set aside time to embrace the joy of her memory.
As we celebrate Debbie today, may we always remember her as a gentle giant who was extraordinarily generous, remarkably brave, and willing to speak the truth.
I want to send my deepest condolences to Debbie’s children, Richard, Siobhan, and Kieran, her family, and her friends. I am looking into our future, to a world where there is a complete and total ban of asbestos and no one has to know the pain Debbie and so many of us have felt. But I do also know that Debbie’s light will shine on.
Debbie, I will hold my treasured memories in my heart forever and ever.
Love, Linda