Obituary of Florence Brooks

Florence Brooks, age 95, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Florence was the daughter of Ralph Ayres Preston and Beatrice Rohan Vogel. At age 12, her father was transferred and the family moved five times throughout her middle and high school years. It was during this time that the shy Florence learned to extend herself and make new friends, a gift that she used throughout her life. Her last move brought her to Larchmont, NY where she got her first job, at Nestle.

In 1959, she married her husband Jim and raised 4 children, moving into their new house in Brewster, NY in 1963. When her last child was in school, Florence devoted herself to volunteer work. From volunteering as a gym mom in our Catholic school and running various school and church fund raisers, she also volunteered at the hospital gift shop and for an organization that worked with blind seniors, helping them engage in activities like bowling and shopping. An avid music lover, she sang in the church choir for 30 years and was a member of the Saint Cecilia Society, a music appreciation group. She enjoyed playing tennis with her friends.

When Jim retired, they built their home in Murrells Inlet, SC. There, Florence continued to draw people to her and established many close friendships through their church, the soup kitchen, the club, her chorale groups and her other volunteer activities. Florence was a real people person and a good listener. People were drawn to her and consequently she continued to cultivate longtime friends. She began another new chapter at 94, moving up to CT into an independent living apartment where she enjoyed meeting new people and partaking in the many activities provided.

Florence was fiercely independent, strong and determined. She faced and conquered any challenge, again and again, particularly in the last 3 years. She loved life and people. As a mom, her children had her unconditional love and support and they benefitted from her strength. She was a real role model and ahead of her time in so many ways. She will be missed terribly.

Florence is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim, and her brother Ralph. Survivors include children Kathy (Ed), Oswego, NY; James (Karen) Brooks, Washington, DC; Diane (Mark) Hyland, Norwalk, CT; Mark (Michele) Brooks, Ridgefield, CT; 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held in the spring in CT.