Nina Pearl (Bailey) Brewster, 101, died Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at St. Joseph Center in Tipton. She was blessed to be among a loving group of women who cared for her for the past five years. The staff in Camilla Hall offered her comfort daily, and the women who shared their home with her gave her words of encouragement and constant prayer.

Nina was born to Lillie (Fisher) and Walter Bailey on June 24, 1906, in Howard County. Her parents and her baby sister, Isabel, preceded her in death. She was married to Munson Pratt Brewster in 1928, who preceded her in death on Sept. 28, 1960.

Her two sons, Edward (married to Carol Johnson) and David (married to Bridget Bonner), still reside in Burlington. Nina was grandmother to seven children and great-grandmother to four. Her close-knit family will miss her great wisdom, her deep faith and her dry wit.

While Nina never moved from her hometown of Burlington, her life was filled with a century of memories only a small town can bestow. She was respected by all who met her and loved by those who knew her.

Her sons remember a mother who loved them and was there for them through thick and thin. They consider themselves fortunate to have shared her numerous stories of life in another era. She knew life before the automobile and life after technology. Nina enjoyed long conversations about her past as well as her walk with God.

Her grandchildren hold fond memories of quiet times in her warm and comfortable home…home-cooked meals and card games around her dining room table. Their Nana loved them but didn't spoil them. She encouraged them to work hard and take pride in their work . . . and all of them do.

The greatest blessing is knowing Nina has received her reward for a life of faith. She rests now in the arms of a loving God . . . no more pain, no more tears. The angels are rejoicing along with her family.

Funeral service was held March 15 at Neptune Funeral Home, Burlington, with Dr. Peter Roussakis officiating. Burial followed in South Union Cemetery, near Burlington.

Memorials may be made to First Brethren Church, Burlington, or St. Joseph Center, Tipton. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.