Iris Brackmann

Iris Hamill Brackmann, resident of Bradenton from 1957 to 1966 and 1986 to the present, passed away at the age of 94 and two months early on the morning of January 11.

Iris was a teacher, a leader, and the center of her family. She nurtured and inspired in all facets of her life. She loved the natural environment and being outdoors. Forward looking, with a keen intuition and ability to solve problems, she was always moving forward to address the next issue. Her wit, grace and sense of humor will be missed by many.

She was born Iris Stevenson Hamill in Auburn, NY to John Hamill and Jean Jordan Hamill who came to the United States in the early 20th century from Glasgow, Scotland. A highlight of her childhood was the 1927 trip her family took to California in an open-sided car, staying a year and returning to Auburn via Florida.

In 1944, Iris graduated from Auburn City Hospital School of Nursing (now Auburn Memorial Hospital), with a scholarship as an outstanding student and experiences ranging from being supervisor of the private duty ward to being the only assistant with whom one surgeon would operate. She continued her nursing education at Columbia University, Teachers College, receiving a B.S. in October 1946. Her first summer in New York City, she met the love of her life, William John Brackmann, whom she married in Auburn in August 1947. She received a M.S. from Columbia University in June 1949, with a major in the teaching of science in nursing, one of the earliest M.S. degrees in nursing.

At Rutgers University, she taught chemistry and microbiology to nursing students in area hospitals, a program that was developed by her and fellow teachers into one of the first two-year nursing associate degree programs. At Doctor’s Hospital, Coral Gables, FL, she was Director of Nursing Education and later Director of Education. She was certified in nursing administration and remained a registered nurse until 2010.

From first stay in summer camp on Lake Owasco NY, Iris was a dedicated Girl Scout. She led troops and held positions as board member, executive board member, and officer in three different councils of the Girls Scouts U.S.A.: Westchester County NY, Gulf Coast Council FL, and Tropical Florida Council, FL. She was a charter member of Palma Sola Presbyterian Church and life member of the Presbyterian Women of the Church.

She was an honorary life member of the Manatee River Garden Club and an emeritus master flower show judge in the National Council of Federated Garden Clubs.

Iris is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill and big sisters Agnes and Jean. She is survived by her two daughters Elizabeth and Anne; three granddaughters, Kate, Helen and Becky; sons-in law George and John; her niece Jeannie, nephews Lewis, Dave, Doug and Tim, and their wonderful spouses; and her cousin Margaret in Edinburgh, Scotland. She held all of us in her heart and was a driving force for us getting together and remaining in touch. She also leaves many dear and close friends and others with whom she made a special connection and had a lasting impact.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers, therapists, nurses, PAs and doctors and who helped make Iris’s last few years as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Memorial Services will be held on February, 10th 2018, at 2:30 pm with reception to follow in the fellowship hall at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations to Audubon Florida- National Audubon Society at http://fl.audubon.org or Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at https://www.mskcc.org, both of these charities were close to Iris' heart.