Brooke Hedderick: Beloved Crime Victims’ Advocate

MALVERN, PA —Brooke Hedderick of Malvern passed away peacefully Aug. 14 at Paoli Hospital. She was 69.

Brooke was born in 1953 in Butler, PA, to Lt. Robert O. Bechdel of the Pennsylvania State Police and Ruth Lunt Bechdel. She joined her big sister Debby (John Schmidt) and was later joined by her partner in crime, baby sister Robyn (Charles Morgan- dec).

Brooke and her sisters enjoyed the opportunity to see the Pennsylvania through their dad's transfers from Mercer and Butler, to Bethlehem, and finally Berwyn where Brooke entered Tredyffrin/Easttown Junior High School and enjoyed heckling the crossing guards with her pro Roberto Clemente quips.

Brooke was a member of Conestoga High School's Class of 1971. She played Cinderella in a school play and she literally met her Prince Charming, Dale Hedderick of Strafford, PA.

True to her independent streak, impatience with bureaucracy, and determination she graduated a year early from Conestoga and went on to earn degrees at Harcum College, Cabrini College, and her master's in counseling at Villanova University.

Brooke initially taught at Baldwin School and Tarleton School and then spent a number of years in real estate before returning to her true calling of helping others when she went to work at the Crime Victim's Center of Chester County.

After a brief time at Children, Youth and Family of Chester County, Brooke returned to Crime Victim's Center, where she remained for over 30 years, most recently serving as the vice president of operations.

“ Brooke was the heart of the Crime Victim's Center and made a difference in so many lives in Chester County and beyond, she was loved and will be missed so much,” Catherine Clauhs, development associate at the Crime Victim’s Center.

Brooke was predeceased by her parents.

Brooke's most recognizable character traits can be found in her three children. Her mischievous smile and quick-wit in Seth (Emily Love), her confidence and unwavering loyalty in Heath (Ashley Ferdinand), and her unrelenting search for the best in people in her daughter, Anika.

Brooke was an avid animal lover. She always had a dog in the house and her current best friend Houston already misses her. Brooke also loved rabbits and every wall, table, or other flat surface in her home gave her an opportunity to show off her bunnies.

While Brooke enjoyed gardening and spending time in her pool, her favorite activity was playing Nana Brooke to her grandchildren Winton, Zoe, and Payton where she most recently enjoyed taking her group to see Six on Broadway.

Brooke's guidance, patience and love will be missed by us all, but we are all better for the gifts she gave us.

A celebration of life will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Sullivan House in Hershey's Mill. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, Inc., 135-137 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382, or online here.