Maryln Brooks went to the arms of Our Lord in Phoenix, Arizona on May 22, 2020. She died at the young age of 85 when her heart could not keep up anymore.
A small Catholic funeral service will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Mesa. The service will be for immediate family members and close friends, with Father John officiating. The service will be streamed on-line with a private connection for friends and family who are unable to travel. The information will be shared to those who request. To request access, you can join the private Facebook group, which will be linked on Maryln’s Facebook Page, or contact one of her family members.
Maryln was born in McCook, Nebraska to Harold and Henrietta. She married James Brooks on Thanksgiving Day in 1955. She had a long and amazing career as a teacher, with her students ranging from preschool to US soldiers, and even gifted education classes. She was always using her talents to help others. An example of this was her love and joy in working with the gifted children.
She was a very creative woman, with hobbies including creating stained glass, quilting, painting, and sewing. For many years she bred and showed miniature poodles, with numerous finished champions. She also served on the local Poodle Club board. After she stopped showing her dogs, she became one of the stewards for dog shows. She also continued to share her love of poodles, and dogs, through therapy dog certification. She not only tested and certified others as therapy dogs, but also volunteered with her certified therapy dogs at the local airport, in hospitals, and at a school for austic children.
Maryln is survived by her brother, Donnovan who resides in Phoenix; her children, Toni (Bob) who resides in Chandler, and Julye (Grant) who resides in Austin TX; her grandchildren Ashley (Brandon) and family residing in Bradford PA, Erika (Dave) and her family residing in West Monroe LA, Jade residing in Colorado Springs CO, Austin residing in Mesa, Jennifer and her family residing in Gilbert, and Kyria residing in Flagstaff. She is also survived by her seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, her parents, and one great-grandchild.
Any contribution to the family to help cover the funeral expenses would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation in her memory, memorial donations may be made to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs at www.therapydogs.com. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff, especially Nurse Angel and Dr. Sam, at Phoenix Baptist for the care they gave her in her final days.
Maryln touched many lives over the years. From her daughter’s Girl Scout friends to church members, as well as in her work with therapy dogs and beyond. Her life is gone from this world, but her light will continue on in all those she touched, and she will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to Maryln’s family. She was a very special lady who always had a smile and a kind word. I am glad I had a chance to meet her.