Louise Emerson Brooks

Louise Emerson Brooks
October 23, 1946 - September 2, 2012

Surrounded by love and light, Louise Emerson Brooks died on September 2 from complications following cancer surgery. Born in upstate New York to Carson and Patricia Brooks, Louise was raised in Richmond, Virginia with brothers Judson, Carson and Frederick. After earning her degree in theater arts from the University of Virginia, Louise settled in Southern California to pursue an eclectic media career in radio, television and filmmaking. In 1980 she broke ground as one of the first women producers for ABC's Wide World of Sports at the Lake Placid Olympics - and whether it was producing a radio talk show or daytime dating show, writing a screenplay or consulting on an international game show, Louise brought her gifts and skills as a consummate media professional.
In her later years, Louise applied those gifts to media training and consulting, serving as the communication director for California Faith for Equality during the Prop 8 campaign and working with the Human Rights Campaign nationally. In the Episcopal Church she was a valiant leader in the movement for full inclusion for LGBT people and her legacy includes the award winning "Voices of Witness" documentary series. Her passions included progressive politics, animal rescue, travel and football. Louise is survived by her beloved and loving partner of nine years Susan Russell and stepsons Jim and Brian; her brother Fred Brooks, his wife Joy and son Clayton; decades-long sister-friend Julena Lind, her husband Leon and son Jackson; and scores of colleagues and friends. Memorial service will be held at All Saints Church, 132 N Euclid Ave, Pasadena at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 8. Cabot & Sons, Pasadena.