Obituary of Florence Dietrich Brewer

Florence Rose Dietrich Brewer blessed us with 95 years of love, literature, and laughter. She passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday January 10th, in the company of those she loved. Florence was born to Harvey Oscar and Eva Deibert Dietrich in Kane, P.A. on February 26th, 1921. She met her soon-to-be husband James E. Brewer, Jr. in first grade in Norristown, PA, and continued on to study at Bucknell University, attaining a degree in English Literature. James and Florence were married in 1946 and made State College their home shortly thereafter in 1957. While Dr. Brewer was teaching in the horticulture department at Penn State University, Florence followed her passion for academia as well. As an English teacher, she prepared young WWII veterans to re-enter collegiate life by teaching English courses at the University. She went on to work as a librarian in the Pattee Library and the University Transportation Department before she retired. Florence extended her endeavors beyond the University. She helped to pioneer the Faculty Wives Club enabling foreign women and their children to acclimate to America. Described by her granddaughter "as living a poetic life", she was an active member in the church community, exercised an impeccable green thumb, loved the great classical musicians and was a true bibliophile, having a passion for literature of all kinds. Reading became her closest and most comforting companion in the years following the loss of her husband. Florence had an innate appreciation and respect for nature: woods, birds, and the sea. She passed this to her children teaching them to stop, look, listen, and smell every sense of the natural world. Never one to miss an opportunity to feel the sand between her toes, Florence spent the majority of her summers by the shore in Cape May, NJ, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. James and Florence Brewer raised four wonderful children, Lucinda Rose, Ann Elizabeth, Eva Margaret, and Daniel Peter(d.2003). She is survived, along with her three daughters, by eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She also leaves behind the blessing of Trudy Davis her daily companion and loving caregiver for the past 4 years. Trudy enabled Florence to continue experiencing the things she loved most, long walks, the garden, trees, and the songs of birds. Florence Rose lived with her youngest daughter Eva, and husband John, in Rochester, N.Y., from 2009 until her final days. Her gracious, sun-loving, poetic spirit will be notably missed and forever in our hearts. Wir lieben dich. Wir vermissen dich. Gotte segne dich, Mama. A private family burial will take place January 19 at Spring Creek Cemetery, State College. If choosing a remembrance, the family asks consideration of the Paterno Library Special Collections, 107 Paterno Library, State College, PA 16801, or the Penn State Arboretum, E. Park Ave & Bigler Rd, State College, PA 16803. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.