Obituary of Linda Brewer

Linda May Brewer, 69, left us too soon. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 18, at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center in Tucson, Arizona. She leaves behind: her daughter, Aaryn Brewer of Tucson; her son, Christopher Gaudet (and wife Loretta) of Billerica, MA; two grandchildren, Ascher and Kyla; her brother Jeffrey (and wife Beverly); sister Kathy (and husband Warren); stepmother, Nancy Brewer; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends who loved her. Born on November 10, 1948, and raised in Wenham, MA, Linda is predeceased by her mother, Barbara Donaldson, and her father, H. Ford Brewer. She graduated from Hamilton-Wenham High School in 1966. She attended Montserrat College of Art (Massachusetts) and she received a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. She also studied at the Université Paris-Sorbonne in Paris. In 1976 she moved to Tucson. Her first job in her new hometown was as an assistant to the director of the Tucson Museum of Art School. She then pursued her passion for nature and conservation as a core team member of The Nature Conservancy, where she dedicated nearly 20 years in support of the Conservancy’s efforts to save some of Arizona’s most endangered lands and waters. A talented writer and editor, Linda wrote and edited numerous publications about the natural history of the Sonoran Desert, first as a freelancer and then as Director of the ASDM Press, for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Among the many award-winning books Linda produced, edited or designed were three on the Santa Catalina Mountains (Mountain Trees and Mountain Wildflowers by Frank Rose; A Natural History of the Santa Catalinas, by R. Brusca and W. Moore). She authored Vanishing Circles. Portraits of Vanishing Wildlife of the Sonoran Desert Region, and co-authored/edited A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert. Linda was an active member of the Native Plant Society, Tucson’s Community Supported Agriculture, and La Table Ronde. She was widely loved for her compassionate nature and her inquiring mind. One friend aptly described her as an explosion of life and emotion. She enjoyed yoga, good wine, wholesome food, cooking, reading, gardening, and travel in Mexico and Europe. She made time to be with her friends and family, and when she couldn’t be there in person she sent thoughtful cards and letters. Linda was a humanist and cared deeply about others. She had an abundance of grace, humility and wisdom. She was a bright light in the lives of those who were blessed to know her. May she walk in beauty forever, as forever we will cherish her in our hearts. The family wishes to thank the dedicated doctors and nurses who cared for her so lovingly at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center. A Celebration of Life for Linda is planned for May. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a charitable donation to one of Linda’s favorites: Arizona Public Media, Heifer International, Arizona Tuition Connection, Franklin Animal Shelter (Franklin, New Hampshire), Tohono Chul, Tucson Children’s Museum, The Loft Cinema, Americans for Responsible Solutions