Brook Catherine Bowers died at her home in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday January 13, 2011. She was 31 years old. Brook was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin on March 29, 1980. During her youth she lived in the city of Madison and the nearby village of McFarland. She was a star swimmer, scholar, artist and musician while attending McFarland High School, graduating in 1998. She attended several colleges before earning a dual bachelor's degree in Psychology and Philosophy with Honors from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2005. The summer after graduation she moved to Tallahassee to join her family who had relocated there in 2002. She left the long, cold winters of Wisconsin to soak up the Florida sunshine. She frequently found enjoyment and solace in the beauty of the Gulf Coast beaches. Brook was an avid Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan and proudly wore the jersey of Packer quarterback Aaron Rodgers. She grew in her support of the Florida State Seminoles and often watched their games with friends and family. Self-taught in the guitar, she brought joy to others with her soft ballads and sweet guitar. She was a ruthless card player who enjoyed spirited games of euchre with her family. Brook bravely battled mental illness and was hospitalized many times over the last 15 years. Through these traumatic times she became a true friend to many others who experienced mental health issues. She gave hope to those feeling hopeless, though she had so little of her own. She made special bonds with patients and staff alike. All of the mental health professionals who worked diligently to help her recognized her as truly special. Brook's close circle of special friends in Tallahassee brought her great joy. At the time of her death she was employed at the newly opened Hurricane Grill and Wings in Tallahassee. She was proud of her work for the brief time she was there and she touched the hearts of many co-workers. Brook is survived by her parents, Bill and Mary Bowers of Tallahassee, and her sister, Gina Tyree who lives with her husband, Seth in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her lovable cat, Azazel, has been her unwavering companion for 11 years. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Timberlane Road Chapel on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A celebration of Brook's life will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Timberlane Road Chapel on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 11:00 am. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.culleysmeadowwood.com A memorial fund has been established in Brook's name at a Tallahassee non-profit organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Tallahassee Affiliate. Contributions can be sent to NAMI BrookieBFund, c/o The Bowers Family.