Justine Gladys Brewer

Justine Gladys (Springstun) Brewer, born May 26, 1943, passed on from this life on August 23, 2016, after a heroic fight with cancer that lasted nearly 20 years. Her passion for life, enduring strength, tenacity and devotion was clear to everyone who knew her, but especially to those who loved her the most: her husband of nearly 54 years, Gerald Brewer and four children, Tim, Traci, Wendi and Joelle.

Justine grew up in Humboldt County, California, graduating from South Fork High School in Miranda, CA in 1961. She married Gerald Brewer on September 27, 1963 and began a career as a hairstylist after graduating from Mr. Lee's Beauty School in 1973. Wherever she was, one thing remained consistent: scissors were always at the ready with a steady stream of clients—who became some of her closest friends—up until May of this year.

Wherever she and her family called home, their doors were always open to others. In addition to her own children, others also called her mom: Michelle, Daja, Scott… Other children, her grandchildren and family members were safely cared for, given a place to rest when their personal lives were otherwise disrupted, or were simply provided with the love they needed. She had a mother's heart: big, forgiving, understanding, accepting and most of all, she loved unconditionally.

When she was first diagnosed with cancer in 1998, Justine refused to let the disease define her. She dropped everything to spend time with her grandchildren in Bremerton, New York and Montana. In fact, she travelled more after her diagnosis than she ever had before, including a trip to Uganda with her husband and a group of missionaries. She never let cancer stop her from living and her fight to live a full life was nothing short of heroic. She is and always will be a hero.

Justine loved the colors rose, lavender, and blue; sewing her kids clothes when they were younger; arts and crafts, Christmas ornaments, oil painting, ceramics, quilts, and sketching; collecting elephants, jewelry, and antiques. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, Bones, Blue Bloods, CSI. She loved watching Disney movies with her grandchildren, and taking walks around the neighborhood where she could speak to her neighbors. Her favorite sports teams were the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners.

Justine was greatly devoted to her faith. She gave moral support to patients with Lymphoma and other cancers on an online forum. She liked Old Gospel Music, soaking music, and enjoyed listening to the Gospel of Grace messages by Joseph Prince. She was an intercessor and ministered to others with words of knowledge. She was devoted to living out the example of grace and rest with everyone around her.

And so as family and friends celebrate and revel in the memories of time with a woman whose value was beyond measure, so shall she be at peace.

Justine is survived by her loving husband Gerald Brewer, children Tim Brewer, Traci Rogstad, Wendi Giles (Dan), Joelle Held (Matt), grandchildren Chris Brewer (Carmel) and great granddaughter Austen Brewer, Nicole Giles and Shad Giles, Madeline Rogstad and JJ Rogstad, Otto Held and Astrid Held, siblings Paul Springstun (Sue), Dana Fritz (Lori) and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and distant family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Viola Thomas and Elwin Springstun, brother Richard Springstun, and grandson Stephen Brewer.

In leiu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of Justine G Brewer (http://www.lls.org/).

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8