Who is Brenda Forburg from One True Thing and what is their importance?

Brenda Forburg is Ellen's high school English teacher. She had been the favorite teacher of all the Gulden children. When Kate falls ill, Mrs. Forburg sends Ellen a letter inviting her over for dinner. Her own mother had died from cancer and she wanted to be a support system for Ellen if she needed it. Mrs. Forburg also bails Ellen out of jail after she is arrested, and allows Ellen to live with her during the trial period, at great personal cost to herself and her career.