Joanne Brooks

Date of Birth

Sep 25,1931

Date of Death

Aug 31,2018

Joanne Brooks, age 86, of Elburn, IL, formerly of Chicago, passed away surrounded by the prayers of her two devoted sons, in the early morning hours of Friday, August 31, 2018. She was born September 25, 1931, in Chicago, IL, to proud parents Eugene and Anna Taylor. Joanne grew up in Chicago and attended local schools. After graduating high school, she attended Chicago Teacher’s College. Joanne found work in the accounting department at Liquid Carbonic for a time. It was during this time that a certain young man came into her life and it changed everything. Robert W. Brooks stole her heart, but she gave hers in return and after a whirlwind courtship, they were united in marriage in February of 1954. Shortly thereafter they were blessed with a son, David. The family became complete four years later when Donald was born in 1958. They made their home in various areas of Chicago, making stops in Mundelein, Downers Grove, Morgan Park, Beverly and Marquette Park. Robert died tragically on their 25th wedding anniversary in 1979. Joanne and the boys made the big move to the country on August 11, 1996 when they settled in Elburn. Joanne attended Morgan Park Methodist Church for a time and taught Kindergarten Sunday School. Joanne was had a special place in her heart for the animal kingdom, especially cats. She also had a Poodle, two Chihuahua’s, an Oranda, her fish that was specially ordered from China, rabbits and a nefarious parrot that was loved in spite of himself. Joanne had a professional level “green thumb”, cultivating over 1,000 individual pots that made up her “pot garden” that included dozens of different types of trees, plants and flowers. From tiny saplings growing in weeds, cuttings from neighbors, and after a few years, propagated hundreds of different species. The love she had for animals and Mother Nature paled in comparison to dedication and love she had for her two boys. They lived for each other and helped meet every obstacle with a determination that only a close family can have. She encouraged her sons to learn and grow in different directions, pushing the limits of their education, imagination and inspiration. Joanne was more spiritual rather than religious, but she passed down her devout faith and prayers to David and Don, who in turn loved, cared and protected their mother every day of their lives. They are the legacy she leaves, along with a “forest” of plants, trees, flowers and a million memories for them to cherish. She is survived by her two loving sons, David and Donald Brooks, and one brother-in-law, James A. Brooks. Joanne now is reunited with her husband Robert, her parents, Eugene and Anna Taylor, two brothers: Thomas and James Taylor. A private memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date, following cremation.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute La Rabida Children’s Memorial Hospital at http://larabida.org/donate. Tributes and memories may be forwarded in Joanne’s name to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A private memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date, following cremation.

Remembrance ( for our mother Joanne Brooks) When I am gone, Please remember me; as a heartfelt laugh, as a tenderness. Hold fast to the image of me when my soul was on fire; the light of love shining thru my eyes… Remember me when I was singing and seemed to know my way. Remember always when we were together and time stood still. Remember most not what I did, or who I was… Oh please remember me for what I always desired to be… A smile on the face of God. David Robert Brooks 4/21/2002

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