Mary L. Brooks, 100, of Dunkirk died peacefully Sunday evening (Jan. 1, 2012) surrounded by her family.
Mary was born June 4, 1911 in Dunkirk, the daughter of the late Henry and Alice (Hayes) Brooks. She graduated as the valedictorian of the 1928 class at St. Mary's Academy. Mary went on to receive her Bachelor's degree from Fredonia Normal School and in 1950 was the first person to earn her Master's degree from Fredonia State University.
Miss Brooks began her teaching career in the Dunkirk Public School System in 1931 at School 8, a one-room schoolhouse, where she taught grades one through six. She went on to teach at Schools 2 and 4. A lifelong music enthusiast, Miss Brooks also directed the choir at School 4. Although she missed being in the class-room, Miss Brooks spent many years as the Principal of Schools 4 and 7. After retiring in 1975 Mary received the William Colman Teaching Award for being a distinguished educator and having a lasting influence on her students. Miss Brooks not only inspired generations of Dunkirk schoolchildren, she was also a beloved role model for her family.
Mary was a devoted member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church where she was a Eucharistic minister, member of the parish council and former president of the guild. She was also a member of the Chautauqua County Retired Teachers Association, Zonta International, Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the University Women's Club. Mary enjoyed volunteering her time on the board of the Head Start Program, at the Red Cross Blood Bank and on the Ration Board during WW2. She was an avid reader, knitter, card player and enjoyed visits to the casino. Mary was passionate about traveling and ventured to many countries during her retirement years.
"Mimi", as she was known to her family, is survived by her sister and best friend Gertrude (Brooks) Unbehaun of Dunkirk; nieces Ann (Unbehaun) Murtaugh of Fredonia and Priscilla (Niedermeyer) Hammond of San Antonio, Texas; nephew Frederick Niedermeyer of Williamsville; great-nieces Mary (Murtaugh) Ludemann, Maggie (Murtaugh) Strauser, Katie Murtaugh and Lauren Murtaugh; great-nephew John Niedermeyer; and several great-great nieces and nephews who all adored her.
Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her sister Grace (Brooks) Niedermayer, great-great-niece Lauren Ludemann, and dearest friends Margaret Mahaney and Laura McGraw.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Thursday, January 5 at 11:00 AM in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, January 4 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
By the Observer
