A Tree for Andi

BY MYSTI GATES –

The Brewer family planted a tree in Hatfield City Park in memory of their sweet Andi on April 12, 2013, just two days after what would have been her 26th birthday. Andria Nichole Brewer, better known to her friends and family as “Andi,” was born on April 10, 1987 to parents Greg and Rebecca Brewer (De Mauro). Next week marks the fourteenth anniversary of her death, when she was taken from her parents, family and friends on May 15, 1999.

The family chose to plant a red bud tree in her honor. Present for the planting were Andi’s uncle, Jeff Brewer and wife Kim and cousin Brad Roberts.

When asked to share their thoughts on the tree, Andi’s family had positive comments to share, including her grandmother, Ann Brewer, who stated, “Andi would’ve loved it. She loved everything about the outdoors.”

Andi’s family describes her as kind, loving, and outdoorsy. “She loved to fish and ride four-wheelers,” her family recalls. They also described her as outgoing and good-humored.

Andi’s death created a void in the lives of not only her family and friends, but for the community as well. Her family desires to keep Andi’s legacy alive. The dedication of the tree in the Hatfield City Park is one way to insure that her legacy will live on for generations to come.

The Brewer family wishes to extend a hearfelt thanks and to recognize the City of Hatfield and Mayor Larry Strickland for allowing them to plant the tree in her honor. When asked to share his thoughts on the matter, Strickland said, “the walking path is the part of the park that I’m most proud of. It gives me great satisfaction to know that we can honor so many Hatfield residents with all of the beautiful trees in the park.”

With the addition of Andi’s tree, the “living memorial” in the Hatfield City Park has approximately 50 trees planted in memory of former Hatfield residents, many of them dedicated to more than one person. The first tree was planted shortly after the purchase of the property in late 2000, early 2001, the same year the annual Jubilee in June began. People began dedicating trees the very first year in an attempt to beautify the park. In reference to Andi’s tree, Strickland shared, “to have a tree in memory of someone as beautiful as Andi just makes the park that much more beautiful.”

The City will continue to plant trees in honor of former Hatfield residents. Strickland also discussed his hope to one day construct an amphitheater with additional trees in order to better suit the needs of the park events.

Andi is survived locally by her father, Greg and wife Tiffany, her half sister Vivi, brother Chase, uncle Jeff Brewer and wife Kim, grandmother Ann Brewer, aunt Trina, cousins Charlie, Brad and Nick and a host of additional family and friends. Through them, her legacy will continue to live on. And now with the addition of Andi’s tree in the Hatfield City Park, her memory will touch the lives of others, just as she did, for generations to come.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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