Martha Brewer

February 11, 1949 - February 14, 2022

Martha Brewer, 73, passed away Monday, February 14, 2022. Martha was a kind and loving person who believed life was meant to be fully lived. One way she accomplished this for herself was through her love of music. Martha and her beloved husband, Harlan, were vocalists in the popular Louisville group, Kessler’s Friends. The group gained a substantial loyal following in the 1970’s and maintained this popularity for many years. Her beautiful voice was a key feature to the group’s signature sound. In addition to her love of music, Martha also had a passion for helping others. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she embarked on a fulfilling nursing career that lasted a lifetime. Martha’s career in nursing started at St Joseph’s. In the ensuing years, she received a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a Master’s degree in business administration. She started out at Audubon Hospital where she was a member of the heart team for the first artificial heart. Following her time at Audubon, she was recruited by University of Louisville Hospital where she was the nursing director for the operating room and was known and loved for her compassionate leadership. After a long and successful career, she retired from U of L Hospital. Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Betty Harris, and her brother, Thomas Gerard “Jerry” Harris. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Harlan Brewer Jr., cousins, and numerous friends. A memorial Mass will be Friday, February 18 at 9:30 am at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church, 1104 S. 6th Street. Martha’s Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 at the Pendennis Club, 218 Muhammad Ali Blvd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kentucky Humane Society. Memories of Martha and messages of support for the family can be shared at www.Ratterman.com. Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Road is assisting the family with arrangements.