Obituary

Mary Jane Brooks (Jary – nickname from High School) was born on October 9, 1924 in Wrangell, Alaska to Frederick and Edna Lewis. She was raised by a single mom through the greater part of her life and had verbalized multiple times how she wished she had told her mother how proud and thankful she felt. She met the love of her life, John G. Brooks, while hanging out at the roller rink. They married in September of 1942 and resided in Bellingham, enjoying their 72 and ¾ years together raising and cherishing their four children and watching seven grandchildren grow and give them seven great-grandchildren. Mary enjoyed her and John’s travels with friends, crocheting, gardening, reading, and especially loved spending time with her large family and many friends. Survivors include her husband, John G. Brooks; sons, John C. Brooks of Arkansas and Gerald F. Brooks or Sedro-Wooley; daughter, Shirley (Richard) Todhunter of Bellingham; half-brother, Steven Lewis Sr. of Juneau, AK; grandsons, Jon A. Workman and Brandon E. Todhunter, both of Bellingham, and Jeffery Brooks of Mt. Vernon; granddaughters, Leandra R. Hanson of Bellingham, Fawn Brooks of Sedro Wooley, and Janell S. Kortlever (Aaron) of Blaine; seven great grandchildren; nephew, Tony (Linda) Pecarich of Lynden; and nieces, Barb (Ray) Pastorino of Juneau, AK, Jane Bueing (Lewis) of Renton, and Georgie Lewis of Wrangell, AK. Mary is predeceased by her parents, Edna Armstrong and Frederick Lewis Sr.; brother, Donald Lewis Sr.; sister, Vivian Pecarich; and daughter, Sharon (Brooks) Gehring. Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to a charity of your choice. Mary’s (mom’s) passing places a void in the hearts and lives of those she touched, but she will be forever loved, cherished, and missed by hearts filled with peace in the knowledge she is now united with God, and reunited with her family, especially her daughter Sharon and mother Edna in the most beautiful of gardens. This is not goodbye, but, until we meet again. Peace, love, kisses, and hugs.