Memorial

Naomi Marie Brewster, 81, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully to meet her Savior after a long illness on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Mercy Medical Center with family at her side. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24th, at Cedar Memorial Chapel State Room from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 25th, at Cedar Valley Bible Church, 3636 Cottage Grove Ave SE, followed by a refreshment reception.

Naomi was born January 1, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa, the oldest daughter of three, to Elmer and Hazel Hocken. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill Brewster, also of Waterloo, on May 27, 1961. They attended Iowa State University in Ames where he pursued engineering, while she followed her passion for English literature. The couple relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1966, when Bill was hired by Collins Radio. Naomi continued her education graduating from Coe College in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, earning Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa, and Magna Cum Laude academic honors. She continued graduate studies at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, attaining two Master of Arts degrees: English in 1976, and Library Science in 1981.

While finishing her education, Naomi became an English teacher and taught for thirty-two years at Washington High School, Harding Junior High, and Kennedy High School. At Kennedy, she also served as the Librarian for several years. Following her retirement in 2000, she taught part-time with English as a Second Language students at Kirkwood Community College. Throughout her teaching career she was known by her students to hold high standards, challenging them to achieve their full potential. Her sharp mind and impeccable memory allowed her to recall student names and classroom details decades later. Frequently, former students would thank her for her teaching abilities and encouraging personality. Additionally, as a long-time member at Cedar Valley Bible Church, she was involved in many church ministries such as AWANA and the Lunch Bunch fellowship group where she continued mentoring and sharing her faith in Christ.

Along with being a consummate academic, Naomi had a life-long passion for music. An accomplished pianist herself, she also taught piano while attending college. Her musical talents extended to the organ, an ability she demonstrated regularly as a church organist for many years. Later in life, Naomi introduced her two grandchildren to the piano, which became her legacy gift to them greatly influencing their own love of music. Additionally, Naomi loved classical music. Her ability to understand and explain the intricacies of the great classics was truly amazing.

Travel was an important aspect of family life for Naomi. She planned annual family trips leaving few states untraversed. Being a historian at heart, each trip became a learning adventure about the significance of each location. Love of travel also took Bill and Naomi on a European tour in 1986. Additionally, her family enjoyed camping together at several state parks and an annual church family camp.

Especially after retirement, Naomi enjoyed sewing and quilting hobbies which she shared with her husband, Bill. They were active with the East Iowa Heirloom Quilters and the Freedom Stitchers of Iowa, charity organizations that make quilts for the needy, and Quilts of Valor to honor service veterans. In addition, Naomi’s interests included rooting for the Iowa Hawkeye football team and following politics. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend who is greatly missed.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband, Bill Brewster, her son, Neil Brewster, her grandchildren, Samuel and Victoria Brewster; all of Cedar Rapids; her sisters Esther Hamilton (John), also of Cedar Rapids, and Ellie Billington (Clyde) of Destin, Florida.

 Memorials may be given in Naomi's name to Cedar Valley Christian School.