Parents:
- Roy Linwood Selby [1904-1979]
- Frances Louise (Leaman) Selby [1907-1986]
Married Robert Lewis Brooks
Children:
- Robert Lewis Brooks, Jr.
- Jeffrey William Brooks
- Darren Jacob Brooks
- James Michael Brooks [1960-2008]
Obituary
The Frederick Post News - May 29, 2009
Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Brooks, 68, of Poolesville, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at her residence surrounded by family.
She was the loving wife of Robert L. Brooks Sr.
Born on June 13, 1940, in Germantown, she was the daughter of the late Roy Linwood and Frances Louise Leaman Selby.
Becky worked many years at Selby's Market in Poolesville and was involved with the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church Crafty Ladies and Gents.
Surviving besides her husband are her children, Robert L. Brooks Jr. and wife, Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife, Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby Jr. and wife, Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; numerous nieces and nephews, including, Linwood, Michael Bruce and Lisa Selby.
She was preceded in death by one son, James M. Brooks.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road (Rt. 109), Barnesville (hiltonfh.com).
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 17230 Tom Fox Ave., Poolesville. Rev. Ken Fell from Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate.
Interment will follow in Monocacy Cemetery, Beallsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850 or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
Rebecca "Becky" Ann Selby Brooks: Dedicated Volunteer And Friend to All
Printed in the Monocacy Monocle by Rande Davis
The passing of Becky Brooks on May 27 after a long and brave battle with cancer left the community with a profound sense of loss. Poolesville has lost a friend who was known and appreciated by nearly all who lived in the area.
Rebecca Selby Brooks, the daughter of Roy and Francis Louise Selby, was born on June 13, 1940. Becky and Lewis Brooks would have been married forty-seven years this December.
Becky worked in the family supermarket businesses most of her life; having administrative responsibilities; working the customer service counter; and greeting people with her warm smile, caring personality, and sense of humor. While it was in this position that most people in the Upcounty area came to know her, it was through her family, church, and volunteer work that she made her greatest contributions and impact on the lives of residents.Becky devoted a large part of her life through her leadership of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department. She was a founding member of the Auxiliary which holds a critical role as a support group for the department. Remarkably, she was the president of the Auxiliary for over twenty-five years of its fifty-two-year history. The Auxiliary helps raise funds for non-government-sponsored expenses and assists the department by providing nourishment and sustenance through its mobile canteen for firefighters during the more stressful and extensive fires. Ann Baur, current president of the Auxiliary, remarked how Becky's spirit and impact are so evident throughout the fire hall: in the kitchen where she played such a pivotal role in its upgrade; the dining hall, where she worked so many countless hours at fundraising dinners and bingo; and in the boardroom where her leadership skills and talents were most appreciated. Marge Shultz recalled how Becky "[raised] the bar on volunteerism, she was truly an example of selfless dedication and should be an inspiration to all of us who volunteer to make a difference in our community."Her volunteer work extended to her participation at the Memorial United Methodist Church where she was also a member of the Crafty Ladies and Gents service group. After graduating high school, Becky Brooks first went to work as a secretary at the Atomic Energy Commission (now Energy Department) in Germantown where she worked for thirteen years.
During her struggle with cancer, friends Frances Noffsinger, Betty Jean Selby, Nancy Morningstar, Julie Bellet, Rosalie Weller, Sarah Ann King, Suzie Moore, and Pam Landis, many who had never done so before, knitted a very special Blanket of Love for Becky letting her know just how beloved she was. The blanket was given to Becky just a couple weeks before her passing and was with her when she was interred at Monocacy Cemetery.
For Becky, perhaps her most beloved title was that of Meemaw, a gentle and affectionate nickname used by her grandchildren after her oldest grandson Michael came up with it when having trouble pronouncing grandma. Granddaughter Alexandra Szalay-Brooks spoke for all eight grandchildren in reading a poem dedicated to her. She wrote:
"Meemaw, I was thinking of you today
And a smile tickled my face
Remembering all the things you taught me,
Like to always say my grace.
I thought of those early mornings
I would bring you and Peepaw coffee in bed,
I remember crossing the street and hearing
"Tooney, you better stop right there."
I remember the goodness you instilled in me
Though sometimes it doesn't show,
You played such a very special part in my life,
And I thought you should know."
In recalling her passing, the grandchildren and the ladies certainly were not alone. The witness of friends and family to her life, to her caring, dedication, and humor was evidenced by an overwhelming turnout for her visitation and funeral. With the number of mourners too large for Memorial United Methodist Church, Father Herbert graciously offered the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Presentation for the funeral service which was filled to capacity and beyond. The fire department's uniformed Honor Guard served as pall bearers, and her funeral procession was led by a black-draped fire engine to the cemetery.
Cancer took Becky from the community, and this year, Poolesville Relay for Life will honor her memory by dedicating to her its annual event at the Poolesville High School on Saturday, June 13, which is also Becky's birthday.
The struggle of Becky's battle with cancer was sadly coupled with the recent loss of son, Jody Brooks. Lewis Brooks, her husband, as well as the entire Brooks family, has had to shoulder very difficult times.
Surviving Becky besides her husband are: her children, Robert L. Brooks, Jr. and wife Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby, Jr. and wife Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks, III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews including Linwood, Michael Bruce, and Lisa Selby.
Friends should know that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850, or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
- Roy Linwood Selby [1904-1979]
- Frances Louise (Leaman) Selby [1907-1986]
Married Robert Lewis Brooks
Children:
- Robert Lewis Brooks, Jr.
- Jeffrey William Brooks
- Darren Jacob Brooks
- James Michael Brooks [1960-2008]
Obituary
The Frederick Post News - May 29, 2009
Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Brooks, 68, of Poolesville, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at her residence surrounded by family.
She was the loving wife of Robert L. Brooks Sr.
Born on June 13, 1940, in Germantown, she was the daughter of the late Roy Linwood and Frances Louise Leaman Selby.
Becky worked many years at Selby's Market in Poolesville and was involved with the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church Crafty Ladies and Gents.
Surviving besides her husband are her children, Robert L. Brooks Jr. and wife, Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife, Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby Jr. and wife, Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; numerous nieces and nephews, including, Linwood, Michael Bruce and Lisa Selby.
She was preceded in death by one son, James M. Brooks.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road (Rt. 109), Barnesville (hiltonfh.com).
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 17230 Tom Fox Ave., Poolesville. Rev. Ken Fell from Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate.
Interment will follow in Monocacy Cemetery, Beallsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850 or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
Rebecca "Becky" Ann Selby Brooks: Dedicated Volunteer And Friend to All
Printed in the Monocacy Monocle by Rande Davis
The passing of Becky Brooks on May 27 after a long and brave battle with cancer left the community with a profound sense of loss. Poolesville has lost a friend who was known and appreciated by nearly all who lived in the area.
Rebecca Selby Brooks, the daughter of Roy and Francis Louise Selby, was born on June 13, 1940. Becky and Lewis Brooks would have been married forty-seven years this December.
Becky worked in the family supermarket businesses most of her life; having administrative responsibilities; working the customer service counter; and greeting people with her warm smile, caring personality, and sense of humor. While it was in this position that most people in the Upcounty area came to know her, it was through her family, church, and volunteer work that she made her greatest contributions and impact on the lives of residents.Becky devoted a large part of her life through her leadership of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department. She was a founding member of the Auxiliary which holds a critical role as a support group for the department. Remarkably, she was the president of the Auxiliary for over twenty-five years of its fifty-two-year history. The Auxiliary helps raise funds for non-government-sponsored expenses and assists the department by providing nourishment and sustenance through its mobile canteen for firefighters during the more stressful and extensive fires. Ann Baur, current president of the Auxiliary, remarked how Becky's spirit and impact are so evident throughout the fire hall: in the kitchen where she played such a pivotal role in its upgrade; the dining hall, where she worked so many countless hours at fundraising dinners and bingo; and in the boardroom where her leadership skills and talents were most appreciated. Marge Shultz recalled how Becky "[raised] the bar on volunteerism, she was truly an example of selfless dedication and should be an inspiration to all of us who volunteer to make a difference in our community."Her volunteer work extended to her participation at the Memorial United Methodist Church where she was also a member of the Crafty Ladies and Gents service group. After graduating high school, Becky Brooks first went to work as a secretary at the Atomic Energy Commission (now Energy Department) in Germantown where she worked for thirteen years.
During her struggle with cancer, friends Frances Noffsinger, Betty Jean Selby, Nancy Morningstar, Julie Bellet, Rosalie Weller, Sarah Ann King, Suzie Moore, and Pam Landis, many who had never done so before, knitted a very special Blanket of Love for Becky letting her know just how beloved she was. The blanket was given to Becky just a couple weeks before her passing and was with her when she was interred at Monocacy Cemetery.
For Becky, perhaps her most beloved title was that of Meemaw, a gentle and affectionate nickname used by her grandchildren after her oldest grandson Michael came up with it when having trouble pronouncing grandma. Granddaughter Alexandra Szalay-Brooks spoke for all eight grandchildren in reading a poem dedicated to her. She wrote:
"Meemaw, I was thinking of you today
And a smile tickled my face
Remembering all the things you taught me,
Like to always say my grace.
I thought of those early mornings
I would bring you and Peepaw coffee in bed,
I remember crossing the street and hearing
"Tooney, you better stop right there."
I remember the goodness you instilled in me
Though sometimes it doesn't show,
You played such a very special part in my life,
And I thought you should know."
In recalling her passing, the grandchildren and the ladies certainly were not alone. The witness of friends and family to her life, to her caring, dedication, and humor was evidenced by an overwhelming turnout for her visitation and funeral. With the number of mourners too large for Memorial United Methodist Church, Father Herbert graciously offered the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Presentation for the funeral service which was filled to capacity and beyond. The fire department's uniformed Honor Guard served as pall bearers, and her funeral procession was led by a black-draped fire engine to the cemetery.
Cancer took Becky from the community, and this year, Poolesville Relay for Life will honor her memory by dedicating to her its annual event at the Poolesville High School on Saturday, June 13, which is also Becky's birthday.
The struggle of Becky's battle with cancer was sadly coupled with the recent loss of son, Jody Brooks. Lewis Brooks, her husband, as well as the entire Brooks family, has had to shoulder very difficult times.
Surviving Becky besides her husband are: her children, Robert L. Brooks, Jr. and wife Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby, Jr. and wife Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks, III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews including Linwood, Michael Bruce, and Lisa Selby.
Friends should know that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850, or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
Parents:
- Roy Linwood Selby [1904-1979]
- Frances Louise (Leaman) Selby [1907-1986]
Married Robert Lewis Brooks
Children:
- Robert Lewis Brooks, Jr.
- Jeffrey William Brooks
- Darren Jacob Brooks
- James Michael Brooks [1960-2008]
Obituary
The Frederick Post News - May 29, 2009
Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Brooks, 68, of Poolesville, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at her residence surrounded by family.
She was the loving wife of Robert L. Brooks Sr.
Born on June 13, 1940, in Germantown, she was the daughter of the late Roy Linwood and Frances Louise Leaman Selby.
Becky worked many years at Selby's Market in Poolesville and was involved with the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church Crafty Ladies and Gents.
Surviving besides her husband are her children, Robert L. Brooks Jr. and wife, Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife, Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby Jr. and wife, Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; numerous nieces and nephews, including, Linwood, Michael Bruce and Lisa Selby.
She was preceded in death by one son, James M. Brooks.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road (Rt. 109), Barnesville (hiltonfh.com).
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 17230 Tom Fox Ave., Poolesville. Rev. Ken Fell from Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate.
Interment will follow in Monocacy Cemetery, Beallsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850 or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
Rebecca "Becky" Ann Selby Brooks: Dedicated Volunteer And Friend to All
Printed in the Monocacy Monocle by Rande Davis
The passing of Becky Brooks on May 27 after a long and brave battle with cancer left the community with a profound sense of loss. Poolesville has lost a friend who was known and appreciated by nearly all who lived in the area.
Rebecca Selby Brooks, the daughter of Roy and Francis Louise Selby, was born on June 13, 1940. Becky and Lewis Brooks would have been married forty-seven years this December.
Becky worked in the family supermarket businesses most of her life; having administrative responsibilities; working the customer service counter; and greeting people with her warm smile, caring personality, and sense of humor. While it was in this position that most people in the Upcounty area came to know her, it was through her family, church, and volunteer work that she made her greatest contributions and impact on the lives of residents.Becky devoted a large part of her life through her leadership of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department. She was a founding member of the Auxiliary which holds a critical role as a support group for the department. Remarkably, she was the president of the Auxiliary for over twenty-five years of its fifty-two-year history. The Auxiliary helps raise funds for non-government-sponsored expenses and assists the department by providing nourishment and sustenance through its mobile canteen for firefighters during the more stressful and extensive fires. Ann Baur, current president of the Auxiliary, remarked how Becky's spirit and impact are so evident throughout the fire hall: in the kitchen where she played such a pivotal role in its upgrade; the dining hall, where she worked so many countless hours at fundraising dinners and bingo; and in the boardroom where her leadership skills and talents were most appreciated. Marge Shultz recalled how Becky "[raised] the bar on volunteerism, she was truly an example of selfless dedication and should be an inspiration to all of us who volunteer to make a difference in our community."Her volunteer work extended to her participation at the Memorial United Methodist Church where she was also a member of the Crafty Ladies and Gents service group. After graduating high school, Becky Brooks first went to work as a secretary at the Atomic Energy Commission (now Energy Department) in Germantown where she worked for thirteen years.
During her struggle with cancer, friends Frances Noffsinger, Betty Jean Selby, Nancy Morningstar, Julie Bellet, Rosalie Weller, Sarah Ann King, Suzie Moore, and Pam Landis, many who had never done so before, knitted a very special Blanket of Love for Becky letting her know just how beloved she was. The blanket was given to Becky just a couple weeks before her passing and was with her when she was interred at Monocacy Cemetery.
For Becky, perhaps her most beloved title was that of Meemaw, a gentle and affectionate nickname used by her grandchildren after her oldest grandson Michael came up with it when having trouble pronouncing grandma. Granddaughter Alexandra Szalay-Brooks spoke for all eight grandchildren in reading a poem dedicated to her. She wrote:
"Meemaw, I was thinking of you today
And a smile tickled my face
Remembering all the things you taught me,
Like to always say my grace.
I thought of those early mornings
I would bring you and Peepaw coffee in bed,
I remember crossing the street and hearing
"Tooney, you better stop right there."
I remember the goodness you instilled in me
Though sometimes it doesn't show,
You played such a very special part in my life,
And I thought you should know."
In recalling her passing, the grandchildren and the ladies certainly were not alone. The witness of friends and family to her life, to her caring, dedication, and humor was evidenced by an overwhelming turnout for her visitation and funeral. With the number of mourners too large for Memorial United Methodist Church, Father Herbert graciously offered the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Presentation for the funeral service which was filled to capacity and beyond. The fire department's uniformed Honor Guard served as pall bearers, and her funeral procession was led by a black-draped fire engine to the cemetery.
Cancer took Becky from the community, and this year, Poolesville Relay for Life will honor her memory by dedicating to her its annual event at the Poolesville High School on Saturday, June 13, which is also Becky's birthday.
The struggle of Becky's battle with cancer was sadly coupled with the recent loss of son, Jody Brooks. Lewis Brooks, her husband, as well as the entire Brooks family, has had to shoulder very difficult times.
Surviving Becky besides her husband are: her children, Robert L. Brooks, Jr. and wife Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby, Jr. and wife Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks, III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews including Linwood, Michael Bruce, and Lisa Selby.
Friends should know that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850, or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
- Roy Linwood Selby [1904-1979]
- Frances Louise (Leaman) Selby [1907-1986]
Married Robert Lewis Brooks
Children:
- Robert Lewis Brooks, Jr.
- Jeffrey William Brooks
- Darren Jacob Brooks
- James Michael Brooks [1960-2008]
Obituary
The Frederick Post News - May 29, 2009
Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Brooks, 68, of Poolesville, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at her residence surrounded by family.
She was the loving wife of Robert L. Brooks Sr.
Born on June 13, 1940, in Germantown, she was the daughter of the late Roy Linwood and Frances Louise Leaman Selby.
Becky worked many years at Selby's Market in Poolesville and was involved with the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church Crafty Ladies and Gents.
Surviving besides her husband are her children, Robert L. Brooks Jr. and wife, Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife, Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby Jr. and wife, Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; numerous nieces and nephews, including, Linwood, Michael Bruce and Lisa Selby.
She was preceded in death by one son, James M. Brooks.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road (Rt. 109), Barnesville (hiltonfh.com).
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 17230 Tom Fox Ave., Poolesville. Rev. Ken Fell from Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate.
Interment will follow in Monocacy Cemetery, Beallsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850 or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
Rebecca "Becky" Ann Selby Brooks: Dedicated Volunteer And Friend to All
Printed in the Monocacy Monocle by Rande Davis
The passing of Becky Brooks on May 27 after a long and brave battle with cancer left the community with a profound sense of loss. Poolesville has lost a friend who was known and appreciated by nearly all who lived in the area.
Rebecca Selby Brooks, the daughter of Roy and Francis Louise Selby, was born on June 13, 1940. Becky and Lewis Brooks would have been married forty-seven years this December.
Becky worked in the family supermarket businesses most of her life; having administrative responsibilities; working the customer service counter; and greeting people with her warm smile, caring personality, and sense of humor. While it was in this position that most people in the Upcounty area came to know her, it was through her family, church, and volunteer work that she made her greatest contributions and impact on the lives of residents.Becky devoted a large part of her life through her leadership of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department. She was a founding member of the Auxiliary which holds a critical role as a support group for the department. Remarkably, she was the president of the Auxiliary for over twenty-five years of its fifty-two-year history. The Auxiliary helps raise funds for non-government-sponsored expenses and assists the department by providing nourishment and sustenance through its mobile canteen for firefighters during the more stressful and extensive fires. Ann Baur, current president of the Auxiliary, remarked how Becky's spirit and impact are so evident throughout the fire hall: in the kitchen where she played such a pivotal role in its upgrade; the dining hall, where she worked so many countless hours at fundraising dinners and bingo; and in the boardroom where her leadership skills and talents were most appreciated. Marge Shultz recalled how Becky "[raised] the bar on volunteerism, she was truly an example of selfless dedication and should be an inspiration to all of us who volunteer to make a difference in our community."Her volunteer work extended to her participation at the Memorial United Methodist Church where she was also a member of the Crafty Ladies and Gents service group. After graduating high school, Becky Brooks first went to work as a secretary at the Atomic Energy Commission (now Energy Department) in Germantown where she worked for thirteen years.
During her struggle with cancer, friends Frances Noffsinger, Betty Jean Selby, Nancy Morningstar, Julie Bellet, Rosalie Weller, Sarah Ann King, Suzie Moore, and Pam Landis, many who had never done so before, knitted a very special Blanket of Love for Becky letting her know just how beloved she was. The blanket was given to Becky just a couple weeks before her passing and was with her when she was interred at Monocacy Cemetery.
For Becky, perhaps her most beloved title was that of Meemaw, a gentle and affectionate nickname used by her grandchildren after her oldest grandson Michael came up with it when having trouble pronouncing grandma. Granddaughter Alexandra Szalay-Brooks spoke for all eight grandchildren in reading a poem dedicated to her. She wrote:
"Meemaw, I was thinking of you today
And a smile tickled my face
Remembering all the things you taught me,
Like to always say my grace.
I thought of those early mornings
I would bring you and Peepaw coffee in bed,
I remember crossing the street and hearing
"Tooney, you better stop right there."
I remember the goodness you instilled in me
Though sometimes it doesn't show,
You played such a very special part in my life,
And I thought you should know."
In recalling her passing, the grandchildren and the ladies certainly were not alone. The witness of friends and family to her life, to her caring, dedication, and humor was evidenced by an overwhelming turnout for her visitation and funeral. With the number of mourners too large for Memorial United Methodist Church, Father Herbert graciously offered the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Presentation for the funeral service which was filled to capacity and beyond. The fire department's uniformed Honor Guard served as pall bearers, and her funeral procession was led by a black-draped fire engine to the cemetery.
Cancer took Becky from the community, and this year, Poolesville Relay for Life will honor her memory by dedicating to her its annual event at the Poolesville High School on Saturday, June 13, which is also Becky's birthday.
The struggle of Becky's battle with cancer was sadly coupled with the recent loss of son, Jody Brooks. Lewis Brooks, her husband, as well as the entire Brooks family, has had to shoulder very difficult times.
Surviving Becky besides her husband are: her children, Robert L. Brooks, Jr. and wife Debbie, Jeffery W. Brooks and wife Alice, Darren J. Brooks; one brother, Roy L. Selby, Jr. and wife Betty Jean; eight grandchildren, Michael Szalay-Brooks, Alexandra Szalay-Brooks, Christopher Szalay-Brooks, Robert Brooks, III, Ryan Brooks, Jared Brooks, Gabriella Brooks, Zachary Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews including Linwood, Michael Bruce, and Lisa Selby.
Friends should know that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky's name to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850, or Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 358, Poolesville, MD 20837.
Family Members
Siblings
