Marajean Brooks

Marajean Pedlow Brooks, 86 ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Marajean Pedlow Brooks, 86, died suddenly after a long illness on the morning of Thursday, April 21, 2011, at the home of her daughter in Ann Arbor. Born May 30, 1924, to Lois Gurnell Sipes and George Russell Pedlow in a farmhouse in a park that was being designed by her father in Rockford, Ill. An elegant woman of fierce intelligence, she surrounded her family with beauty. Loved art, gardening, reading, cooking, sewing and friendship, all of which she pursued with extraordinary grace and talent. Filled her life with color and warmth and principle. Most of all, a mother who encouraged her children to soar. Graduated in 1942 from Rockford West High School, where she edited the West High Owl, as did her husband and her daughter. Attended Rockford College and in November 1943, married Richard Chadwick Brooks, whom she had known since first grade, as he entered training for the Army Air Corps Reserves. Her husband was missing in action for four months during the summer of 1944, a period she recently described in her book "Wartime: Chad's Secret." After the war, lived in Iowa City, Iowa, and started a family before returning to Rockford. An active volunteer at the Rockford Art Association, she was a founder of the sales and rental gallery and became an honorary lifetime board member. In the 1960's, returned to college and graduated with a B.A. in education from Northern Illinois University in 1972. Received a master's degree in 1982. Taught at Gregory Elementary School in Rockford for 19 years, work she loved because she loved the children. Also active in First Presbyterian Church of Rockford. After the death of her husband March 17, 1997, she moved to Ann Arbor in October 1998. She flourished in Ann Arbor, finding wonderful friends and new interests. Survives in the hearts and thoughts of her sister, Vonetta Pedlow Franda; children, Christina Brooks Whitman of Ann Arbor, Richard C. Brooks Jr. of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Michelle Brooks Haffner of Issaquah, Wash.; grandchildren, Claire, Emma, Richard, Brendan, Gregory and Thomas. An expert at soothing babies, a talent much appreciated by her great-grandchildren, Charles and Henry. Preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Laurella Pedlow Ward. Memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Memorial donations may be made to the Rockford Art Museum. Arrangements entrusted to Muehlig Funeral Chapel. For more information, visit muehligannarbor.com.