Obituary of Valerie Brew-Parrish

Valerie Brew-Parrish (nee Brew) Age 63, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at her home with her husband by her side. Born April 18, 1951 in Chicago, she was a resident of Plainfield the past 12 years, and formerly of Greenwood, IN, and Carbondale, IL. Valerie retired from Southern Illinois University where she taught and was also an administrator for 30 years. She was a disability rights activist and responsible for the drafting of important legislation related to disability issues. She was also a published author, editor and columnist, and was considered an expert in matters relating to disability and housing. She will be remembered for her advocacy and perseverance in helping clients and those who sought her help in securing housing and other services. More than anything else, however, she was a loving, active and devoted grandmother. Surviving are her beloved husband, Richard "Rick" Parrish of Plainfield; her loving daughter, Tara Parrish; two precious grandsons, Matthew Lawrence and Keith Robert; one brother, Lee (the late Patricia) Brew; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Sydney W. and Bernice (Kennedy) Brew; one sister, Phyllis B. (Dennis) Curtin; and one brother, Robert Brew. A Memorial Visitation for Valerie Brew-Parrish will be held Sunday, July 13, 2014 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Memorials in her name to Post-Polio Health International, 4207 Lindell Blvd., #110, Saint Louis, MO 63108-2930 or Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Veterans Support Group, P. O. Box 4132, Joliet, IL 60434-4132 (for the purpose of erecting a statue in honor of President Lincoln) would be appreciated. For additional information (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com.