24 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • December 2021
Goodbye to an Awesome Possum
Stuart, the original awesome possum, and the inspiration for Karen Brace's possum education
business Awesome Possumz, has died at the age of three. Stuart had a career as an educa-
tion possum due to hip deformities that prevented his release into the wild. Despite his
health issues, he grew into a very large, handsome and friendly possum. People came from
hours away to Stuart's events and he visited local schools, senior citizens, pet stores, birth-
day parties and festivals.
One of the happiest parts of Fredericksburg Parent and Family's
pandemic year was partnering with Awesome Possumz for a series
of outdoor events. Stuart made appearances at Picnic in the Park
at Kenmore Park in the Spring, and was the star of Fred Parent Fun
at Freddy's Donuts in July and August. We will miss him.
Stuart's friendly personality shone through as he taught hundreds of children about the benefits possums
bring to the environment. They eat venomous snakes and dangerous ticks!
Stuart's legacy will be carried on by several education possums following in his pawsteps, including
Sweetpea, Bobby Sue, Pork Chop and Panda.
Freddy's Donuts made a special possum pie donut in his memory, and donated proceeds of the sales to
Awesome Possumz in Stuart's memory.
If you wish to make a donation to Awesome Possumz to support possum rescue, you may go to
awesomepossumz.com. We also encourage you to visit Freddy's Donuts for a donut.
They are delicious.
WRITTEN BY LEIGH ANNE VAN DOREN
