Elizabeth Jane Brewer

BREWER, ELIZABETH JANE, (SANDBERG), on May 7, the world lost a beautiful, talented and loving woman. "A heart full of love.... A heart full of song" - these lyrics from the musical Les Miserables are probably the best ones to remember Elizabeth Jane Brewer. Elizabeth was born on May 21, 1947 to Clair Patricia (Ivers) Sandberg and the late Lathom Winfield Sandberg and Clair Patricia Sandberg. She married Dennis Edward Brewer, raised children in Smithfield, RI and later moved to Narragansett to live near the ocean. Betty, as she was lovingly called by her friends and family, loved the beach, enjoyed a good battle with a crossword puzzle and anticipated a tough game of cribbage with her husband after a long day of work. This was a woman who loved powerfully and lived beautifully. Elizabeth leaves behind three children. Elizabeth Kathleen, Mary Catherine and Dennis Lathom. She is also survived by her two younger siblings, John Michael and Carol Ann. She spent her life helping others as a registered nurse at Woman and Infants hospital in Providence, RI. She especially loved music and the theatre. Her favorite was Les Miserables and it is especially fitting that the film adaptation came out in December... right at the time of her diagnosis with lung cancer. Elizabeth's love of music began at an early age. Singing Christmas carols with the family, performing at her sister’s wedding, and finally joining the church choir symbolized her equal love of God and music. She had a beautiful voice, and that love of music was certainly passed down to her children. Her home was always filled with singing. Betty’s voice was strong and inspirational. Over the course of her time in Hospice care many stories were shared. A particular favorite and one that shows her talent was just prior to the wedding of her oldest daughter, Beth. There were, as usual, many dress fittings at the bridal shop. Beth wanted to wear her mother’s headpiece, but it was discolored. Using the base of the original headpiece, Betty beaded a new one that was similar to her own. When the two arrived for a fitting, Brides of Boston offered Betty a job after complimenting her handiwork. This was clearly not an option as patient care was where Betty's passion lay. However, this is a testament to the talent she possessed. She had also made both of her daughter’s prom dresses, dresses for her granddaughters’ and a beautiful quilt for her oldest daughter’s wedding. Possibly the most impressive thing is how many connections Betty made with people. Friends from childhood, from college, and from her first neighborhood all came to say goodbye. Her children's friends came with happy memories, but it is most fitting to remember Betty musically. "I know a place where no ones lost/I know a place where no one cries/crying at all is not allowed/not in my castle on a cloud". May you rest in peace, Betty. Enjoy your castle in the clouds! You will be missed. The funeral will be Saturday 8:45 a.m. from the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, followed by a Mass of Christian of Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Road, Narragansett. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Peace Dale. Visiting hours are Friday, 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.