Sister Janice Brewi, CSJ

“We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” (Goethe) Janice Brewi loved God and the life God has given to all creation. That love shaped her life and her passion to understand how life unfolds throughout time.

Her own life began in Queens, born to Grace and Michael; she attended St. Benedict Joseph and the Juniorate. After graduation from high school Janice entered the congregation beginning her sixty-nine year commitment as a Sister of St. Joseph. She taught elementary school in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Most Precious Blood, Immaculate Conception and St. Michael’s. Janice completed a Bachelor’s degree in History at St. Joseph’s College.

During those years the Catechetics movement was expanding in faith formation for the growing number of children attending public schools, especially on Long Island. Janice became a Pastoral Associate and Catechist in St. Elizabeth’s in Huntington, a vibrant and growing parish where she served for fourteen years. Her buoyant personality and generous spirit helped form the lives of children and adults alikeHer family was so important in her life and she cherished time with the, sharing in their celebrations and accomplishments. She also shared the treasures from her “deep pockets.” .

Janice earned a Master’s in Religious Education from LaSalle University. She  earned an STD degree in Adult Spirituality from the San Francisco Theological Seminary and began her study of mid-life aging at Seaton Hall University. She was a seeker, searcher and a finder. Her passion to share her understanding of mid-life development led to the establishment of the Mid-Life Directions program where she and her dear friend Anne Brennan gave retreats and workshops for nearly thirty years. Teaching and publishing articles, books and workbooks, Janice was recognized and respected as an expert in the field of aging. She received an honorary doctorate from Assumption University in Ontario, Canada.

Janice did love life and grew to understand how we develop a relationship with the source of all life as we grow and mature. She truly lived the mystery and we now know with confidence that she is experiencing the love that surpasses all knowledge as she has attained the fullness of life for all eternity.

Sister Janice Brewi, CSJ died on February 12, 2020 in the 69th year of her religious life.