Someone who took the time to sit and talk if needed
A people person and prankster with a great demeanor and easy smile, Brett cared for others deeply. His personality and ability to listen was a good fit for his nursing career. His older female patients adored him and the male patients enjoyed sharing stories of their younger years with Brett, who listened attentively.
Brett’s passions were fishing and his dog, Lou. He also enjoyed following the Boston Patriots and loved his career as a nurse. His co-workers still stay in touch with his mother. Brett was part of a group from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) who went to various places to speak. According to others in the group, Brett captivated the audience when he spoke.
Brett had an older sister, Elisha, who he was close to. And he took his big brother role very seriously, watching over his younger sisters, Hannah, and Amanda, who were eight and ten years younger than Brett. He showed up for surprise visits, picking them up after school. All three sisters looked up to him. “I am very proud of the bond my children had together,” Beth stated.
An unforgettable memory for Beth happened with Brett was two. In a restaurant, two police officers walked by their table. In awe of the officers, Brett caught their attention, calling them over. As they walked away, little Brett said “gun” and leapt across the table, trying to grab the officer’s firearm. Everyone was in shock, including the officer who went white as a ghost! Another time, Brett, and his cousin got into his dad’s truck perched at the top of their steep driveway. Somehow, they got the truck to roll slowly down the driveway. Brett’s grandfather looked on as the truck rolled by him, until it lightly tapped a tree, which stopped it. Brett was so proud of himself and told everyone he drove daddy’s truck. After nerves calmed down, they discovered a small dent in the back of the truck. “From then on, all vehicle windows and doors remained closed and locked,” Beth mused.
Brett hated his illness and felt bad for the toll it took on his family. He tried hard to overcome the hold it had on him. Beth was constantly in a state of fear, scared of losing him. She holds on to memories of times at Cape Cod, fishing trips, and daily visits to the water slide park in the summer. In later years, when Brett had time off, they loved watching movies together. “Brett is now with his dad, Scott, in heaven,” Beth stated. ‘My life feels destroyed with him gone. I miss his laughter, his presence and him being with me as I grow old.’
Brett’s mother, Beth Nadeau, provided the information for this narrative.
June 29, 1985-November 5, 2016-Age 31
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
