Neltje Brawer

Brawer, Neltje 7/18/1942 - 2/12/2023 Age 80, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023, at her daughter Jennifer's home in her family's care. She was born on July 18, 1942 in Grand Haven, Michigan to George and Helen Smith. Neltje was a trailblazer, a force of nature, a wild woman and a leader and teacher for us all. She walked the line between religion and spirituality, as she continuously strove to be a better version of herself, for herself, her family, those that she loved and the world itself. She was an instigator, a free-thinker, an activist and an advocate for human rights. Neltje taught special education in Battle Creek, MI for over 30 years, beginning her career at LaMora Park Elementary school and ending it at Battle Creek Central. Neltje was known for teaching life skills to her students. Upon retirement, she pursued a second career or calling to become Reverend Neltje Brawer. She was known to be a Facilitator of Sacred Ceremony. She presided over weddings and memorial services, offered spiritual counseling, was a prayer chaplain and taught Reiki as a Reiki Master. Neltje held a Master's degree from Western Michigan University. Neltje loved her church, The Unity of Kalamazoo, where she found her community. She loved the Binder Park Zoo, where she took her Grandchildren, Chelsea and Courtney Moorman, Austin Sims, Olivia and Gabby Bolanos, Yasmin Combs, Beatrice and Benjamin Brawer, Tabitha Sims, and the many others she brought along the way. She loved her dogs, her family and her friends. These are the things that brought her joy. She was preceded in death by her children, Martha Dunya Moorman and Randal Paul Moorman, by her granddaughter, Isabel Delfina Bolanos, by her husband, Milton J. Brawer, and by her parents, George and Helen Smith. It is our vision that she is with them now and is finally at peace. A Celebration of our "Zoo Grandma's" life will be held on her birthday July 18th, 2023 at the Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI, 49014. Ochalek-Stark Funeral Service Milan, Michigan