Brust, Judy Rae (nee: Snook) 1936-2023

Judy was born on May 10, 1936, in Joliet, Illinois to Ralph and Ethel Snook.  

Growing up in Plainfield Township, she was active in Girl Scouts, 4H, and the Plainfield Congregational Church.  She started playing clarinet in fourth grade and played in the school bands.  She was drum majorette for the marching band.  In her senior year, she was honored by being the high school’s second homecoming queen. 

After graduating as an A student in 1954, Judy attended Illinois Wesleyan University’s School of Nursing and graduated with a BSN.  She had many interesting experiences at several hospitals including being a nurse for Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken.  She performed different roles during her career as a clinical nurse, hospital nurse, surgical nurse, and a neonatal nurse, that being her very favorite.

Judy met her future husband Norman Dale Brust in choir practice at Plainfield Congregational Church.  They were married on June 12, 1959.  Norman was principal at Plainfield Grade School.  He later earned a PHD at the University of Illinois.  While raising a family of five, Norman’s work took them to live in many places in the country and even to Taiwan.  They last settled in the St. Louis, MO area when Norman died in 2003 after 44 years of marriage.

Judy was an excellent baker and seamstress.  She enjoyed gardening, was a member of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, volunteered for the symphony, sang in the choir, and played the hand bells.  Judy was able to travel to many different countries for choir and handbell performances.  

She was a loving and caring mother.  She was generous and loved getting presents for everyone.  She brought humor and love wherever she went.

Judy leaves her five children; Jennifer Schuster, Cheryl Cranmer, David (Tracie) Brust, Katherine (Anders) Nilbrink, and Laura Wirick, her dear sister; Susan (Allen) Winter, eight grandchildren; Lisl, Meghan, Elizabeth, Brooke, Rebecca, Casey, Hannah, and Gabrielle, and fifteen great grandchildren, four nieces and a nephew, and 8 great nieces and nephews.

Judy died of Alzheimer’s disease on April 13, 2023 and was cremated.  

A private memorial service is being planned.  

As was done for her husband, Norman, a tree/tag will be planted in the Missouri Botanical Garden in memory of Judy.  Please send donations to:

Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St Louis MO 63011