Sheila Kathleen Brewster

Sheila was born in Eveleth, Minnesota, a small Iron Range town known for breeding hockey players. Her father, Frank “Doc” Kotchevar was the town doctor and her mother, Kathleen, watched after Sheila and her two younger sisters, Sharon and Susan.

Sheila initially attended Carleton College, her father’s alma mater, but opted to finish her Liberal Arts degree at Northwestern University (Class of 1956). It was there she met George W. Brewster, and they were married June 23, 1956. George was a Navy pilot and was at one point stationed at the San Diego Naval Base, North Island. Their first child, George Jr. (“Joe”) was born in Coronado in 1958. Once out of military service, George and Sheila moved to Bedford, Massachusetts while George obtained his Business Masters from Harvard, after which they moved to Torrance. In 1960, their son Douglas was born, and then in 1964 their daughter, Sandra.

While the kids were little, Sheila (who had obtained her teaching certificate) was on call as a substitute teacher for the Torrance Unified School District (English and History), which eventually became fulltime at North Torrance High School. Her love of History lead her to a Board position on, and then President of, the Torrance Historical Society. She was also active in the League of Women Voters, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital Thrift Shop (and served as President), AAUW, DAR, Torrance Jaycees and occasionally won a few coins in various bridge clubs. Her love of English grammar was useful in quizzing her three children and driving them crazy.

Sheila and George traveled extensively and where both members of the “Century Club”, an honor bestowed upon those who travel to 100 or more countries. Sheila was well read, well-traveled and deeply loved.

Sheila did not like a lot of fanfare and would not have wanted a long goodbye. Instead, she has departed knowing her three children, their spouses, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren are doing well in this life and that she has left the light on for continued guidance through our collective memories of her. She now rejoins the love of her life, who left us 10 years ago, and we know that together they are happy and at peace.