Obituary: Dru Kathryn BRANGWIN 1986-2012

Dru Brangwin 1986-2012

Dru Kathryn BRANGWIN

February 27, 1986 ~November 12, 2012 

Dru was determined, fearless, gentle, and kind. When it came to being a goalie and a soccer coach she was determined to win. When it came to learning to be a firefighter/EMT, she was fearless. When it came to teaching life skills to autistic kids, she was gentle and kind. She was especially thoughtful, regularly calling family for long chats and writing cards with original drawings inside. At 26, she had launched a life of passion and energy, with boyfriend Mat and beloved dog Kona by her side. 

To the sorrow of all who knew her, Dru passed away in her sleep from an undiagnosed pancreatic infection. 

Dru was a superior athlete, skiing and snowboarding with her family all winter. She graduated from Shorewood High School where she participated in tennis and soccer. She taught snowboarding at Mission Ridge and loved wakeboarding and swimming. While in high school she became a certified mediator and helped counselors resolve conflicts between students and parents. Even at this early age, Dru was someone who helped others. 

She fiercely pursued firefighting training, graduating from Everett Community College with an AA degree. From there Dru attended Central Washington University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. 

Joining the workforce, Dru found her true calling as a mentor and tutor for autistic children. She was a valued member of the team at Comprehensive Autism Center in southern California. 

Dru loved her job teaching kids. She was excited each day, knowing that she was making a real difference in their lives and the lives of their families. Dru was just starting graduate school to earn a master's degree to enhance her opportunities as a therapist. 

Dru was deeply loved by her parents Richard and Sue Brangwin, brother Mason, Mat Peery, a devoted circle of family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A memorial service of her life will be held at the Berean Church, on Thursday November 29th at 3:00 p.m. 2345 North 185th, Shoreline. Donations in Dru's memory may be made to the Autism Center at Seattle Children's Hospital.