Jerrie Annette Brewer Hofeling's Obituary
Jerrie Annette Brewer Hofeling passed peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with Multi System Atrophy, a form of Parkinson’s. She did not give up on her fight!
Jerrie was born in 1948, the daughter of Robert W. and Ruth Brewer. She was a sister to Bob (Sandy), Pat, Bruce (Sandee), and Sue.
Jerrie was intent from the beginning to go and do. She was bold, adventurous, and busy. She woke early and would be visiting neighbors before the rest of the household was awake. Jerrie reflected that she always wanted to tag along with the older kids. She didn’t want to miss out on anything!
Jerrie spent some time in Idaho with her first husband. That relationship didn’t work out, and she returned home, taking his debts with her. She called the businesses that her husband owed money to and offered to pay off his debts at $5 a month—true integrity! She started spending time with family and grew interested in Bob’s best friend, Gene Hofeling. Their connection grew, and they married in 1969.
Jerrie and Gene’s family includes Kirk, Jennifer, Em (Karen), and their youngest son, Ryan. Karen joined the family, along with her son Jason Lemmon, who was a grandson in every sense. One of the joys of Jerrie and Gene’s lives was the addition of Jennifer’s daughter, Justine (Matt), and Justine’s daughter, Emily Gayle Johnson.
Son Ryan was diagnosed with autism. He required constant supervision as he was known to be inquisitive and very focused on staying busy. Rather than neglect their older children and hoping to find real support for Ryan, they began the long exploration of “homes” for him, where his needs could be met by professionals who could bring out the best in him. He ended up, gratefully, in the care of CTA Community Support. Their focus is on fulfilling lives, and they have contributed to Ryan being a content, intelligent member of their community and in the lives of the Hofelings as well. Ryan spends Friday evenings, Sundays, and holidays at Gene and Jerrie’s home. He happily returns to his “other” home at the end of the day.
Jerrie took real pride in her work accomplishments, from Arctic Circle in junior high to Mountain Meadow Ranch to Salt Lake Costume to Arthur Frank to managing Pewter By Ricker in Crossroads Mall.
She returned to school as an adult. Retail was not fulfilling! She started her post-high school education at SLCC, where she made the Dean’s List and the President’s list.. While learning, she tutored struggling college students and autistic youngsters as well.
She then attended the University of Utah, taking classes that interested and enriched her with the intention of setting up a greenhouse-type business for employing autistic young men. She lobbied intently to have a degree declared that would match her goals and interests. She graduated in Environment and Behavior. Because of Jerrie’s excellent scholastic performance during the 1997-1998 academic year, she was awarded the Universityof Utah’s President's Award. She was also given membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Jerrie worked hard at many vocations: waitressing, hospitality, Salt Lake Costume (selling masks and makeup, filling theatre orders, cutting out and sewing costumes, and managing the wedding rental department). She worked various retail positions, from Arthur Frank to Pewter by Ricker and Morgan Jewelry. When Jerrie was attending school, she worked part-time at CTA Supports, where Ryan lived, and fell in love with three young men with autism who were nonverbal, the same as Ryan. She ended up working at CTA for 18 years, becoming a coordinator responsible for the lives of 11 young and mature men.
Because of her commitment and skill in working with the residents in CTA group homes, Jerrie received a special award from ARC (Association for Retarted Citizens) .
Jerrie focused on personal growth, accomplishments, and being valuable to the world at large. She volunteered with CAP (Community Action Program). She attended a meeting discussing the needs of young men in the community and spoke up to ask what programs were being developed for young women. They had no answer but asked her what she would suggest. Off the top of her head, she said they could teach them crafts and even have a store to sell the crafts so the girls could learn job skills such as bookkeeping, sales, stocking, and everything a store would take. She was asked to volunteer and set it up, and she had a lot of fun working to get it started.
Jerrie joined the League of Women Voters with her sister-in-law, Pat Hofeling. They participated in many political studies and discussions, and Jerrie was a team captain gathering petition signatures.
Jerrie and her sister Pat volunteered with many community-building services: The Holiday Project, The Road Home, Utah Food Bank, an auction with Unity Spiritual Center, CTA’s 5Ks, and more. Jerrie and Gene tutored and supported children at Stansbury Elementary for many years.
Jerrie spent some years participating in a program called The Forum, where they explored what it means to be human and how to reach your highest potential.
Jerrie always worked at challenging herself to grow both mentally and physically. She was a runner. She ran 5Ks, 10Ks, marathons, and triathlons. She was a member of the Salt Lake Running Club. Other members became fast friends: Olaf, McKayla, Niel, Laurie, Doug, Laury, Wendy, Taryn, Deb, and Linda.
As Jerrie fought her MSA, she began boxing with Rock Steady Boxing. Gina Moss gave her inspiration and confidence to fight, fight, fight! All of the Rock Steady boxers worked for dopamine (WWFD).
Jerrie devoted herself to physical, occupational, and voice and swallow therapy at the TOSH neuro-therapy unit.. Before MSA took her strength, she regularly attended Water Walking at Fairmont Park. She even tried speed walking, remaining friends with Nancy.
The family would like to express appreciation to TOSH neurotherapy therapy and IHC Home Health and Hospice. She greatly looked forward to their support and encouragement!
The family would also thank Laurie, Laury, Linda, Wendy, and Taryn for visiting often and bringing lunch to her when she was no longer able to get in the car; to Linda Dalton Walker for her dinners shared; and to Nancy Linky, who taught her speed walking and remained a good friend.
We will celebrate Jerrie’s life on June 21 from 6pm to 10 pm in the Activity Barn at Wheeler Farm, 6351 South 900 East, Murray, Utah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
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Describe a day with Jerrie you’ll never forget.
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