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Jay Brooks Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jay Brooks
Kathy Magne
December 22, 2012
Dear Aunt Rita, Mark, Cindy, Bob, Tom and Steve,
I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Jay. It's so difficult to lose someone you're close to. I remember when I was in first or second grade, I was skipping home from Nativity, down the alley, and I tripped and fell on a large piece of glass. It was a deep cut and there were lots of tears since this was my first encounter with broken glass. Both my parents were at work and Grandma Brooks was in her bed, unable to get up and help me, so she called Jay for help. I'm grateful Uncle Jay hurried over and took me to the doctor.
Uncle Jay paid many visits to our house to see Grandma Brooks. They would sit at the kitchen table together and talk about everything. He would tell her stories and make her laugh. She so enjoyed her visits with him, as she enjoyed her visits with Aunt Helen, Aunt Rose, Aunt Mary, and her friend Edith. Of course she was very happy when Jay and Helen would bring their children with them. She loved all of her grandchildren. Grandma Brooks would always put on such a brave face when family and friends came to visit. She tried hard to mask all of the misery she was in. She used to lay awake at night crying because of all the pain in her legs, arms and shoulders. It was very hard to watch.
Of all of the people I've met, I think Grandma Brooks is the one person who could be a saint. I know a saint is supposed perform miracles, but I always thought it was a miracle that she handled herself with such an amazing amount of grace. She suffered every day, and on many days her pain was excruciating, yet she didn't lash out at God or curse Him, or blame Him for her condition, instead, she just prayed… and she prayed often. She always had her rosary near her, on her nightstand or in her aching crumpled hands.
And now Jay is reunited with his mother and father and sisters. I thought it would be appropriate at this time to remember Grandma Brooks too. I am very sorry for your loss.
Bill Drexler
June 25, 2012
Im so sorry for Your loss, I just heard of jay's passing and he is sorrly missed
May 6, 2012
Hello, Tom!! Sarah and I were saddened to learn of your dad's passing. Unfortunately, we were in New Orleans for the French Quarter Festival from 4/10 to 4/16 and missed Jay's memorial service. Just want you to know we're both thinking of you and your family during this difficult time and so sorry we couldn't be with you. Love from your two S.A.P.H. atrium pals,
Charlie DeVore and Sarah Johnson
Joseph Baron
April 16, 2012
Our condolences to the Brooks Family.
I knew Jay from our years at Northwest. He was so easy to know and get along with.
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April 15, 2012
Dear Aunt Rita, Mark, Cindy, Robert, Tom & Steve,
We want to extend our deepest sympathies in Uncle Jay's passing.
I'm sorry that we grew so far apart over the years, but my memories of my Godfather will stay with me forever.
Thinking of you at this difficult time,
Mike and Lori Magne
Stillwater, MN
April 12, 2012
Dear Rita,
I'm sorry I can't be with you and your family at this sad time. I looked for your address and couldn't find it. When things calm down, please give me a call. Your friend and former neighbotr - Dorothy Neudahl 763-331-0541 I live in Blaine.
Jane Herrick
April 12, 2012
Dear Aunt Rita and Cousins Mark, Cindy, Robert, Tom and Steve:
My deepest sympathy to you and your families. Lucky for me, I got to talk with Uncle Jay in January. No one could tell a funny story like he could; he always had us laughing with the tales he told. He was one of a kind.
April 11, 2012
Dear Cindy, Mark,Bob, Tom and Steve,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during these days. Your dad and I had many conversations over this past year and he certainly embraced what was happening to him and placed it in God's hands.
I thank God for all the wonderful family we both grew up in.
May God now graciously gather him in His arms and give you all comfort.
Love and hugs to your Mom.
Rose Erin (Rosie) and
husband Jim.
Julie Herrick French
April 11, 2012
Dear Aunt Rita, Mark, Cindy, Robert, Tom and Steve,
My condolences to you and your families. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit with Uncle Jay in January. It was nice to see that he was so upbeat and his humor was still intact. What a great man. He will be truly missed by many.
harold petersen
April 11, 2012
my condolences rita and family! rip my friend jay,remembering all of the great times we all had together at o'garas over the years! fly with eagles wings my friend!
Sheila O'Riley LICSW
April 10, 2012
Thank you for sharing Jay with us at Allina Hospice. What a small world it suddenly became when he told me the stories of Iglehart Ave, Mrs. Bouchard's little store, Fr. Kivel before he was a Father -- wow, his stompin' grounds was MY mom and grandparent's 'hood at 1812 Iglehart! May Jay's flight path be clear with no turbulence, and most importantly, a non-stop. Thank you for letting me be a small part of his journey.
Dr. Joe & June Petteruti
April 10, 2012
Our condolences to the Brooks family. We've known Jay and Rita for about 20 years having been neighbors in Cape Coral and traveled with them on cruises. They were great company.
April 10, 2012
Dear Rita and family.I wiil never forget all the good times Frank and I had with you guys in Florida and up at the cabin on the pontoon. what a good friend he was. maybe he and Frank will get together up there for a round of golf. and a stop at the nineteenth hole. what fun they had . my thoughts and prayers are with you , May your memories bring you comfort. love, Marcie Mcdonough
Halsted
April 9, 2012
Uncle Jay will never be forgotten, he was a kind, loving and generous man to all who were lucky enough to have spent time with him. One of my daughter and son's favorite memories was when “great” Uncle Jay took them fishing and let them both have a turn driving the pontoon.
As a teenager, he sent me and my Mom to San Francisco - it was my first plane ride. I remember all the fun weekends at the Brook's house on Princeton Avenue. Jay was also the king of grilling at the cabin and we enjoyed many picnics there. My dear cousins Mark, Cindy, Bobby, Tom and Steve you had a great father. Thank you for sharing him with me and my family… He will be forever in our hearts!!!
All 0ur Love, Vicki, Rich, Koko and Andy Halsted
Maureen Reardon
April 9, 2012
Dear Aunt Rita, Mark, Cindy ,Robert, Tom and Steve,
I have many many memories of Uncle Jay,
" Uncle Grumpy" as we called him. Only because "us kids" weren't exactly "angels" around him.
I also remember the family get-togethers and many parties at 1879 and 1883 Iglehart Ave. As well as those Jay and Rita hosted at 1950 Selby Ave and Princeton. Then there was the wonderful Family Reunions out in Colorado, California, and up at Craguns and in Taylor's Falls. Uncle Jay left an imprint on everyone he met and was always entertaining. It's funny how you just think "they'll" be around "Forever" or for at least..
"Our whole life time". And then suddenly they up and leave us and we are never prepared for their departure. But, what I do know, is that Jay will make his presence known, when you least expect it and you will look back and smile,laugh and reminisce about all those memorable funny moments you all shared together. Those moments will leave imprints on your heart to carry you through the years to come. And as..The Peter, Paul and Mary Song goes. I can almost hear Jay singing from the Heavens to all of you these words..." I'm leaving on a jet plane don't know when I'll be back again... Oh, how I hate to go.."
That's right, Jay is just on a very L-o-n-g Plane Trip,.... that's how he'd want you to look at it.
We will miss you Jay, Hurry Home..God Speed.
Love and prayers,
Maureen Reardon Weber
NC Little Memorial Hospice, Inc
April 9, 2012
Dear Marguerite, Robert, Tom, Steve, Mark, Cindy and Family,
It was our privilege to provide care for your beloved husband and father. We share in your grief and send you our love.
Your Friends at Little Hospice
Brad Langley
April 8, 2012
How poignant it is that Jay was cut off from the land of the living as Christ lay dead in the tomb. But now today at Easter, Christ is risen indeed— and because of that, Jay's future is assured. We do “not grieve as those who have no hope…”
Jay was always a bright spot on my clinic schedule, and I will miss him very much. Prayers of thanks for knowing him for awhile and for his family as they remember and wait.
Brad Langley, MD
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