Judith (Judy) Louise Thiede Brewster

Teacher – Disciple of Christ 

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Judith (Judy) Louise Thiede Brewster passed through the veil on March 4, 2024.  She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched for good; but warmly welcomed by loved ones in the spirit world; especially her husband, Hoyt, and her two daughters Kristen and Merrilee.

Judy was born on May 1, 1941, to Mildred Louise Allen and Robert Duffin Thiede.  It is ironic that an international distress call is “May Day!”  Such a call portends imminent danger or disaster.  Judy’s birth on the first day of May, brought new meaning to the first day of May.  For her birth would provide untold blessings to all who would be affected by good for her life of love and service.

To the eternal blessing of countless people, this woman would impact their lives in a wonderful way.  The first day of May in 1941 heralded a day of promised blessings to all who would be touched in some way by her teaching, friendship, loving service, sacrifice, and by her very presence in their lives, directly or indirectly.

The birth of this beloved woman was precarious.   The doctor asked her father, “if he could only save either the mother or the baby, whom should he save?”   Answering very firmly, her father replied: “you save both of them!”

She was raised in a loving home where they had frequent contact with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She attended Roosevelt and Libby Edward Elementary Schools; Central and Evergreen Jr. High Schools; and Granite High School.   Because of her high academic standing, a 4.0 grade point, she was selected to speak at both the junior high and high school commencements or graduation services.  She was also in the pep club at both schools.

Her excellence academically earned her a scholarship at the University of Utah where she continued her high academic career.

When she was but a child herself, she decided to be an elementary school teacher.  Thus, she majored in elementary education at the university.  She was a natural talented teacher and gave the gift of her marvelous teaching ability and genuine love to countless children who adored her.

At the University of Utah, she joined the Alpha Phi sorority and was given a trophy for having the highest grade-point average in the group.  She was elected president of the sorority her senior year.  In honor of her leadership and high scholarship, Judy was named to the select honorary society known as Cwean.  Her high academic achievement also earned her membership in the national scholastic group Phi Kappa Phi.  Honorees were given a special ribbon to wear on their graduation gown.  She graduated “magna cum laude,” from the “U” in 1963.

In what her husband considered a series of divine interventions, Judy met and married Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr.  They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 21, 1963.   She lovingly followed and supported him through a series of professional and Church assignments for over 60 years.

They lived in various cities in Utah, California, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Nebraska.  In all her husband’s callings she was a loving supporter.  She made his service possible, and the missionaries loved her as did local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hoyt often said that the missionaries with whom they served in Holland, Belgium, New Zealand, and Winter Quarters preferred hearing from Judy than from him.

Her ability to connect with others in a loving and caring manner was also evident in the Church callings in which she was called to serve.  She served three times as a Relief Society president and was also a teacher.  She served as the president, a counselor, and teacher in the Primary.  She was a counselor and teacher in the Young Women.  She served faithfully as the Gospel Doctrine teacher for a number of years.   She was dearly loved by all whose paths she crossed.

Her humble devotion to and love for her Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ were unshakable.  You always knew where she stood when it came to truth and righteousness.

Judy taught second grade and Kindergarten for many years in the Salt Lake valley and taught previously in Orem.  She retired when Mountview Elementary School was closed and the property turned into a park in Cottonwood Heights.  She taught preschool in Santa Ana, California, where her own children began referring to her as “Mrs. Brewster.”

Judy was the loving mother of five children: Kristen, Kimberly, Merrilee Fielding, Hillary, and Matthew Hoyt.  Two of those children left mortality early.  Kristen passed away shortly after her birth in 1965, and Merrilee Vassar passed away in 2015.  Surely, there was a great reunion taking place when their mother joined them and their father on the other side of the veil.

Judy loved to read and was always busy, even when watching TV.  She had a passion for sewing and knitting.  Her children were blessed with the fruits of her skills, not only with clothing, but also with the many needle-point items that hang on the walls of their homes.  Many people enjoy her blankets.  Her craft skills were also recognized by the owner of the Craft Center who invited Judy to work part time for her.  Judy was also the favorite “mender” for the grandchildren when something needed to be stitched.  Their home was always referred to as “Grandma’s House.”

Judy is survived by her daughters Kimberly (Russ) Carter and Hillary (John) Young; her son M. Hoyt (Shelly) Brewster; a son-in-law Rick (Teresa) Vassar; and her brother Allen (Colleen) Thiede.  She is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Abby (Bryce) Prince, Kristen (Cade) Brimhall, R. Chase and W. Braxton Carter; Victoria Vassar and Chris, Brad (Michelle), and Hope Quick; Daniel J., Jessica; Andrew F., and Samuel H. Young; and Sarah and Gilbert Brewster; along with five great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Kimberly, and Judy Prince; Hazel Brimhall; and William Quick.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Hoyt, and two daughters: Kristen Brewster and Merrilee Fielding Vassar.

The family appreciates the loving care Judy received from the staff at Sunrise of Sandy and from Inspiration Hospice.  Thank you to the many family members, friends, neighbors, and to the Ward and Stake members for your service to Judy over the years.  She loved you dearly.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Brighton 5^th Ward chapel, 2301 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 South), Cottonwood Heights, Utah.  The viewing will be held at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 South) on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and the day of the service from 9:30 – 10:45 AM at Brighton 5^th Ward Chapel.  Interment in Memorial Estates Mountain View, 3115 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

Meeting ID: 918 2966 5942
 Passcode: 153483
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 Meeting ID: 918 2966 5942
 Passcode: 153483

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