"The door is always open." This everyday phrase was not a pleasantry, but a way of life for Marjorie Frances (Jaspers) Brewer. Born on November 23, 1929 to Leo and Alta (Heitstuman) Jaspers in their family home in Lewiston, ID, Marj was a hostess from the start. The oldest of five siblings, Marj was described as "always there." She was the reliable big sister, the patient teacher, and a community champion ready to welcome neighbors, parishioners and friends-of-friends alike to the table.

Known by many names—Marj, Grandmom and Margie among them, she lived a long and adventure-filled life. She loved the Lord, her family, and her community. She passed away peacefully in her home on June 25, 2021.

Marj grew up in Lewiston and was quick to tell stories of her time as a Candy Striper nursing assistant when she was in the eighth grade. She later attended Lewis and Clark State College where she earned her teacher's certificate. After college, Marj started her teaching career in Rathdrum, ID and was living there when she was reintroduced to her husband-to-be, Michael J. Brewer. "Micky," as he was known, was just the Irish gentleman she'd been looking for and the two were wed five months later in Lewiston. Mike and Marj lived out their lives together in the North Spokane community of Hillyard. August 4 would have been their 70th anniversary.

From starting the St. Patrick's Credit Union, which, with Marj as manager, would become the Spokane Catholic Credit Union, on their dining room table, to mission work in Guatemala, to representing the City of Spokane in China and Ireland, Marj and Mike lived lives filled with travel and servitude. With a vision of preserving the stories of the railroaders and their families, Marj and Mike were instrumental in founding the Hillyard Heritage Museum in downtown Hillyard. Marj taught catechism to hundreds of children in the St. Patrick's parish and was the first lay-teacher in the parochial school area and specifically at St. Patrick's School. Never one to truly retire, Marj was known for burning the midnight oil as she worked from project to project—almost always in service to others.

When they weren't serving the public, Marj and Mike were providing lessons in living to their six children: Kathleen Pozos, Timothy Brewer, Thomas Brewer, Terrence Brewer, Eileen Perkins, and Tobia Brewer. They logged thousands of miles in their big old 1970s Buick on a coast-to-coast trip with a tent trailer in tow and still made it north to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territory of Canada. As one son reflected, "we had to take off our jackets before getting in the car so that we'd all fit!" The two spent nearly every summer camping at Jumpoff Joe Lake and the family timberland in Ferry County. They traveled throughout the U.S. visiting family, friends and all 50 states, and forever reflected fondly on their travels—near and far.

As a mom and dad, Marj and Mike taught their children that it is not the depth of your pockets that bear opportunity, but rather it's persistence, self-discipline, and love that deliver.

Marjorie is survived by her six children, nineteen grandchildren and all their spouses, and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Mike who passed on May 20, 2021, her brother Robert Jaspers and her sister Marie (Jaspers) Williams.

Due to current pandemic conditions, a primarily family service was held at Holy Cross cemetery in Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Hillyard Heritage Museum c/o 303 E Glass, Spokane, WA 99207.