The Passing of Guardianship Reform Advocate Debbie Berendt Trew

There are no words to effectively express our deep sorrow. This past week, the guardianship reform movement lost an exceptional advocate: Debbie Berendt Trew.

Long before NASGA was formed, Debbie was watching out and advocating for the elderly and disabled. She had been speaking up and standing tall for those mistreated or ignored for years. She understood how the system worked and didn’t work. When she met and joined NASGA, we were sure she was heaven sent.

Debbie worked mostly behind the scenes, heading up our Research Department and working with new members. She always did more than we asked of her. Her heart was full of an abundance of empathy and she had an uncanny sense of digging deep into her research.  She was absolutely committed to reform.

She was a person of great faith. She loved her God and her family and friends intensely. She often entertained us with stories about her grandchildren, whom she adored of course. They gave her joy and purpose and she felt so blessed to have them.

Likewise, all of us at NASGA felt blessed to have Debbie in our lives and working closely with us in this cause. She was a good friend and is missed beyond words.

 Godspeed, Debbie.