Faye Brushwitz

With deep sorrow and eternal love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Faye Colleen Brushwitz, who left this world peacefully with family by her side on July 8, 2025, at the age of 90. She passed away peacefully at Twin Willows Nursing Center, where she was lovingly cared for and adored by their dedicated staff who had become like family. Born in Belleville, Illinois on to loving parents Henry and Ellen Schildroth. Faye lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. She married her sweetheart, Ronald Clarke Brushwitz Sr., on September 2, 1961, and together they raised a loving family grounded in dedication and love. Faye was a hard-working woman, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family meant the world to her with unconditional love. She and her husband loving and happily supported and provided for their family. She worked for many years at Cardinal Glennon Hospital Saint Louis, Missouri, then worked as a real estate agent in the metro east area, before she retired. Faye’s favorite things in life were to cook wonderful meals from scratch for her family and toasting with a glass of wine, no one ever went away hungry. Faye had an unwavering passion and talent in music and often would play her baby grand piano at what people would consider, “Concert level”. Faye had passionately played the piano since her young teenage years and continued to grow her skills to an exceptional level. In her younger years, Faye participated in tap and ballet. She made sure that she was always looking her best, from her outfits to her accessories. She loved to celebrate life events and holidays with her family that created wonderful everlasting memories. Her most precious selfless gift to us all was always being there to listen and guide her family in any way she could and just being the best Mom. Faye had a profound love for nature and all living things. Whether tending her flower garden, watching birds from the porch, taking her dogs, Sandy and Duke, for walks through her favorite trails in the woods, or rescuing stray animals, she found peace and purpose in caring for the world around her. Animals gravitated to her gentle spirit, and her home was always filled with beloved pets—each one treated like family. Faye was a loving member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (Kinmundy) & St. Theresa Catholic Church (Salem). Faye is survived by her two children; Ronald Brushwitz, Jr. (Debbie) and Christine Brushwitz Delcour (John); adored three grandchildren; Jake Delcour, Nathan Frailey (Erin), Brandon Brushwitz (Molly); six great grandchildren: Layla, Willow, Tate, McKenna, Grayson, and Liam. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, Sonja, David, Steven, and Mike and their families, lifelong friends since grade school, Pat, Jan, and Toots, as well as other childhood friends, and her special beloved rescue dog, Sandy. She was preceded in death by her husband: Ronald Sr.; and her parents. A celebration of Faye’s life will take place on Monday July 14th, 2025, at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home Chapel at 6:00pm in Salem, IL. A time of visitation will take place from 4:00 pm till the time of service. Burial will take place at 12:00 pm on Tuesday July 15th, 2025, at the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Belleville, Illinois. All who knew and loved her are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local Animal Shelter or Twin Willows Nursing Center—causes close to Faye’s heart. Faye’s love was like the earth she treasured—steady, nurturing, and always growing. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wonder, and unwavering love that will remain with us always. Faye’s life was a quiet testament to the power of kindness, love, and the beauty of the natural world. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in every blooming flower, every animal cared for, and every act of gentle compassion.

Faye Brushwitz

December 8, 1934 - July 8, 2025