Rosemary Brooks

May 4, 1926 - December 13, 2018

Rosemary (Gardner) Brooks, aged 92, died peacefully on December 13, 2018 at Atria Senior Living, Burlingame, CA. Rosemary was born May 4, 1926 in Seattle WA, the daughter of Edwin Gardner and Rose (Schwinn) Gardner. Rosemary, consummate mother and homemaker, was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. She also loved planning family events-including “breakfast in the woods” and the tree-cutting/picnic tradition the day after Thanksgiving, gardening, music, reading and the outdoors. Rosemary had an unwavering faith in God and was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Burlingame CA. She always put others’ needs before her own and was a kind and thoughtful person. Rosemary lived with dignity, grace, courage and strength. She is an inspiration to us all and will be missed.

Rosemary graduated from Holy Names Academy, Seattle WA in 1943 before attending Holy Names College, Oakland CA and ultimately graduating from Seattle University, Seattle WA in 1949, majoring in Philosophy.

In 1950, Rosemary married the love of her life, Lewis Brooks. They started married life living in San Francisco, California. Rosemary was an active member of the community. In addition to raising four children, she was a volunteer for many years at Filoli, Woodside CA. and Garden Café in Burlingame (Lucille Packard Foundation, Stanford). Rosemary was preceded in death by her loving husband Lewis, brothers Captain Edwin Gardner and Richard Gardner, and sister Elizabeth Fisher. Rosemary is survived by her son Tom (Laurie Tezak) of San Mateo CA, daughters Betsy McCort of Alamo, CA, Ginny (Bob) Selwood of Las Vegas NV, and Rosemary (Rob Kolokousis) of Sunnyvale, CA, grandsons Jack and Will McCort and Nick Kolokousis, Niece Katie Kauffman and Nephews Tim and Fred Kauffman. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends. Rosemary requested a private burial and funeral.

A “Celebrating of Life” mass is scheduled for January 12, 2019, 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010. Refreshments following at the Parish Hall.

Our family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Rosemary during her final years, especially: Gina Rabina, Emily Pangilinan, Ginnie Plato, Lizzie Arena, and Cynthia Pilch.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties

https://www.shfb.org/ give-help/donate-funds/ Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is a 501(c) (3) corporation; federal tax I.D. # 94-2614101