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Mary Jo Brooks

Mary Brooks Obituary

BROOKS
MARY JO (nee Falino), August 17, 2003, mother of Theodore W. and Michael S. Brooks, sister of Louis P. Jr. and the late Frances Eagin. Relatives and friends are invited to call Fri. eve. 5 to 8 P.M. Our Lady of Consolation Church. Funeral Mass 8 P.M. Int. private. In lieu of flowers, family prefers contributions to our Our Lady of Consolation Church, 7056 Tulip St., Phila., PA 19135. (GALZERANO F.H.)

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Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Aug. 19, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Brooks

37 Entries

Laraine Colwell

August 30, 2003

I only had Mrs. Brooks Freshman year for into art. She was always very nice to the class. While she and I were not close, I knew what a wonderful teacher she was. You could tell how much she loved and cared about her students. I was very sad when I heard the news.

Stacey Halili

August 30, 2003

I had Ms. Brooks back in 1997-1998 my senior year. She encouraged me to do my best when I didn't feel like putting forth the effort and thought I wasn't good enough. She pledged me into the National Art Honor Society. She was one of my favorite teachers and she cared about every student as if they we were her own children.

I know that it will be hard for her family and anyone who knew her, but we must know that she is in a better place now. I am sure she is looking over her family with love in this time of grief. I am keeping you all in my prayers. God bless.

Patricia Ziegler

August 27, 2003

To the family of Ms. Brooks:

Ms. Brooks was my teacher Sophmore thru Senior year and she was one of my favorite teachers at Ryan and one who I greatly wanted to see at the reunion in April. I too remember the trip to NYC and the art shows and I'm happy to say i was vice-president of the NAHS my senior year. She made art fun, which is what it's all about. Enjoying yourself and expressing yourself while you create. She's the reason I'm in graphic design now. I remember staying late to paint scenery and talking to her about everything and anything and she was always there for every student. She was the type of teacher who really cared about you...teaching wasnt' just a job to her, she enjoyed it. I couldnt' believe when I read the note about what happened on Archbishop Ryan's website and I'm sorry I found out too late to attend the viewing. She was a wonderful teacher, friend and even more wonderful person. Heaven will be a much more colorful place now...

Marykate Houlihan

August 27, 2003

Mrs.Brooks was not only a great teacher at Ryan but was also a model for many of the students. I was blessed to know her not only in the capacity of teacher/student but also as a fellow teacher. She gave her all to her students and to her fellow teachers. I will always remember how she has open me to a vast world that I may never had known. She will be greatly missed.

Megan Ginecki

August 24, 2003

Dear Family, Friends and fellow Students of Ms. Brooks,

Ms Brooks was a great teacher, I was lucky enough to have her. She was one of the nicest people I could have ever meet. She would look at my horriable picture and find something good about. I will forever miss her.

Megan

Courtney M.

August 23, 2003

Ms. Brooks was such a kind woman. I only had her for one semester but in that time she was so nice to all her students and she always had something nice to say. She treated each of her students individually and she acknowledged all of their special qualities. I was very much looking forward to having her as a teacher again, and though that chance will never come, I'll always remember her and all the things I've learned from her.

Moira Meehan

August 23, 2003

Mike,

Stevie and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I know its been a while, but please let us know if there is anything we can do to ease your pain. Please stay strong.

Louise Brooks

August 22, 2003

Dear Ted and Mike

Your grandfather and I were sorry to learn of your mother's tragic death. Our condolence to both of you. We will remember your mother, grandmother, and aunt in our prayers.

Christine Masiejczyk

August 22, 2003

To the family of Mrs.Brooks:

Our condolences with you. Pls. remember that you are in our prayers. Mrs. Brooks was our son's teacher at Ryan. I will not forget the many praises he gave about our son's work and how she asked if he would pursue Art as a career. We always looked forward to Ryan's Art Show. She was very nice, down-to-earth and very approachable. She always seemed to be proud of her students' work - and I think that that is the most important attitude every teacher can have. She was such a blessing to all her students.

May God bless you and give you strength.

Val DiFilippo

August 22, 2003

Dear Ted, Teddy and Micheal,

I just found out about MaryJo. I am very sorry for your loss. I wish that someone would have called me. I would have been there for you. Please feel free to contact me if you ever need anything. Family needs to stay in touch especially during the bad and good times.

Shannon Daly

August 22, 2003

Mike and Ted,

I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a strong, beautiful person. Look how many lives she affected. Look how many students became teachers because of her. Please take some comfort in that. Mike, you have been a second brother to me since I was a kid. I know there is nothing I can say to make all the pain you are feeling go away, but please know that my family and I are here. We love you and we will be here for you whenever you need us. Stay strong and keep the faith. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ryan Sheehan

August 22, 2003

Mike and Ted,

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please get in touch if there is anything I can do.

Katie

August 22, 2003

Ms. Brooks was an inspiration to all. Although I never had the experience of being a student of hers, many of my friends had her as a teacher and became very close to her. Through them, she became a close friend of mine also. I've seen her every summer since I left Ryan and just getting that big hug from her would make my day. I loved just catching up, gossiping back and forth, and laughing so hard. She was the one person you could talk to about anything...this is what made her such a unique person and special friend. It's such a sad thing that many future students at Ryan will never have the joy of knowing her and experiencing her not only as a teacher, but as a friend and mentor.

MJ - You were a treasure to many and we will miss you forever!!!

Love Always,

Katie

anthony farnon

August 21, 2003

Ted,

Erin told me what happened. Words can't fill that void that you feel right now,but i want you to know that I'm thinking about you and that you and your family are in my prayers.

Stay strong,

Anthony

J. Schlear

August 21, 2003

I had Ms. Brooks in freshmen year, 2nd semester and I couldn't wait to go to her class. She always said we can talk but at a whisper and NO eating or drinking. Well my friend, Manderz, and I always got in trouble for laughing too loud or eating candy or a pretzel. But she showed me things no other teacher has shown me... love. I always saw her sophmore and junior year walking the halls and I would always say "Hi, Ms. Brooks!" and she would turn around and say hi. I wish her and I were closer, but I'm glad because I did have her as a teacher. I miss you, Ms. Brooks!~! RiP Heaven gained an angel and Earth lost one. God Bless your family and friends.

Bernadette Gallone

August 21, 2003

Ted,

I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bernadette

Heather Saeger

August 21, 2003

I only had Ms. Brooks for Introductory to art my senior year..but she made me want to have taken art all four years of my Ryan experience. I really regret not taking art since I was a freshman. A few years ago, I was discouraged ..and Ms. Brooks lit my passion for art again.

She was the best teacher I ever had. I always looked forward to her class, and was never dissappointed. She always had something new for us to learn or do. I'll always remember how great she was, and she will always remain in my heart.

Kristina Fontaine

August 21, 2003

When I heard what happened tonight it felt like a wall had caved in. Mrs. Brooks was great teacher and most of all a great friend. I spent so much time in her classroom that it became like a second home after school. She believed in all her students and showed such grace. I remember she was always there to talk to or give advise no matter what the topic, she was always there for us. She was truly an inspiration to everyone she knew. I will never forget the art trips to NYC and the portfolio reviews downtown. She went the extra mile and then some for her students. The last time I saw Mrs. Brooks was at the fall play and when I saw her I just lit up and when I told her she was the reason I wanted to be a teacher she gave me this big hug and said she loved me and that I would make a great teacher someday. I hope I can only try to be a great a teacher as she was to me. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. I only hope to one day inspire my students as she did me. I miss you Mrs.Brooks and I love you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this tragic time. Just know that heaven gained a beautiful angel and she will never be forgotten because she will live in our hearts.

Clare Murphy

August 21, 2003

Mrs. Brooks was my art teacher at Ryan. She was not only a teacher but also an inspiration. I graduated in 1991 and with her encouragement went off to follow an artistic career in Interior Design. As I was pursuing my career I always made sure to keep in touch with Mrs. Brooks to thank her and to just keep her posted on my career. Most recently I returned to school to be an art teacher....just like Mrs. Brooks. Of course I made sure to stop by and visit her to let her know of my career change and she was more than supportive. While pursuing this degree I had to complete several observations and one of which was with Mrs. Brooks. I last saw her at my 10 year reunion where she and I sat and talked for a while. I am truly going to miss her. She was a wonderful woman who I truly admire with all of my heart. As I move on to be a teacher I hope that I can touch as many lives as Mary Jo Brooks has.

My thoughts and prayers will remain with the Brooks & Falino families.

Emily Nellinger

August 20, 2003

Although, I only had Mrs Brooks for one sesmester, she was a very special teacher. My friend Heather and I loved her and her class and everyday we could hardly wait for 6th period. She was just such a caring person, I will miss her so much.

Christian Lledo

August 20, 2003

Without Ms. Brooks I wouldn't be where I am today. Having her as a teacher was the highlight of my days at Ryan. It was an honor to have her for 2 years. She was like a mother to us.

Ms. Brooks, your memory will live forever in my thoughts and through my art.

Respectfully yours,

Christian

Ashley Petersen

August 20, 2003

Family and friends of Ms. Brooks-

I was at the scene of the accident about 10 seconds after it happened and tried to help the best I knew how. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your losses. Although I never met Mary, I can see by the entries here that she was a special person to a lot of people. I know she will always be in your thoughts and missed deeply. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you all peace in this sad time. Please feel free to email me if ANYONE needs ANYTHING AT ALL.

Ann Marie Sinni

August 20, 2003

Ms. Brooks has touched the lives of many. She had an amazing ability to connect with me not only as a teacher but as a true friend. Ms. Brooks' lessons and compassionate way will never be forgotten. I am fortunate to have had such a wonderful person in my life. Family, friends, and students are in my thoughts and prayers.

Natalie Megerian

August 20, 2003

Ted...I cannot even begin to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. My heart goes out to you in this very tragic time.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Love Natalie

Monica Moore

August 20, 2003

Ms. Brooks was a wonderful teacher and the easiest person in the world to talk to. I was so excited when rosters came and i saw her name, then so disappointed to her about her death. although this would be my first year having her, I knew what a great person she was and how inspiring she was to anyone she knew. I would like to express im deepest appologies to everyone in their time of need, and I would also like to thank Ms. Brooks for everything she has done.

Jessica Schulgen

August 19, 2003

Brooks,

You were an inspiration to me and my art. You encouraged me and impacted my life in great ways. There are no words to express how much you ment to so many people. I will always remember our talks and the livlieness you brought to the room. I miss you...watch over all of us.

love,

Jessie

Alycia Anderson

August 19, 2003

Ms. Brooks was my favorit teacher. Although i only had her for one semester, i still visited her whenever i could. my brohter had her for art and he told me that hse was a great teacher so he went to school to request her for me. i found out that he was right. i was planning on going to see her when school started but now i can't. i will miss her and she will always be in my heart.

Cheri Dorazio

August 19, 2003

I just saw Mrs. Brooks at the Ryan Shore Reunion and she ask me how I was and I told her that everything I am today is because of what she taught me. Mrs. Brooks told me I was a unique and special person and to always dare to be different and that no matter what I was loved and the she loved me. I am now teaching this lesson of love to my daughter.

I love you and will miss you for always Mrs. Brooks

Cheri Dorazio class of 1998

Marie Miller

August 19, 2003

The the Sons of Ms Brooks. Your Mother was a great inspirtaions to so many kids that have came through the halls of Archbishop ryan High school and will be sadly missed. To my two girls she was their mentor, their friend and a second Mom to them as well as a good friend to me. Heaven holds a special place for her. She will live on in the hearts and memories to all she has touched and helped and guided and we were all blessed to have known her.MaryJo will always be known as one of the greatest teachers Archbishop Ryan has ever known.

Bill Finnegan

August 19, 2003

I heard this terrible news yesterday and since then I've been thinking of my friend and co-worker Mary Jo Brooks. We taught many of the same students, all of whom loved her very much. Her students looked forward everyday to going to her class and when they left her class they never left feeling angry or frustrated or defeated. They left feeling good and optomistic and they always looked forward to her next lesson. The art that Mary Jo inspired her students to create was thoughtful and unique, she brought out the best in her students. I am proud to have 2 pieces of art that her students created hanging on the walls of my house, they have more meaning to me today than they did before she died. She was the kind of teacher that young teachers like myself strive to be. She was one of those teachers that kept in touch with former students, she took an interest in her students lives. She often helped them through tough times and advised them on college, careers, and life in general. She did her job with the most important quality a teacher needs to have, love. She loved her students from the bottom of her heart and they loved her back. Mary Jo was one of my lunch buddies at Ryan and the the thing I'll miss the most about her is the way she laughed. She laughed at our stupid jokes; she laughed the loudest when Sac and Gene and I argued about politics; everyday I looked forward to trying to make her laugh. I'm glad I got to know her, I'm glad that I had the priviledge to see the way this woman affected the lives of her students, I learned alot from her. Archbishop Ryan High School has suffered a tremendous loss. Mary Jo you will be sorely missed. With love and respect...Bill.

Andrea (McGinley) Corey

August 19, 2003

Mike,

Although I haven't seen you in a while (since you lived in Manayunk), my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry for your losses. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie

August 19, 2003

I graduated Ryan in 1991. I didn't have art, but Ms. Brooks and I became friends. She and I had many conversations about everything and anything. I was at the Ryan reunion a few weeks ago, and saw some of the other teachers I knew. I asked immediately for Ms. Brooks. They told me she just left, and went to another place. I left right away to look for her, but couldn't find her. I was planning to come to Ryan when school started to see her. I am so very sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. She provided me with memories of my high school days that I will never forget.

Victoria Miller

August 19, 2003

Ms Brooks, My life, My inspriration, Though you're life was cut short in my book, you will be with me forever. Please guide me down my path as I live on to keep you alive By teaching Art myself. I told you I wanted to be a teacher Like you and You cried. We were suposed to do lunch so I could ask you anything about it. Now all I have to do is look to you in my heart for the answers. You left me so unsure of what I'm getting into but you are the reason I'm going through with it. I want to be like you. You touched me like no other teacher could. You reached me when I thought I was worthless. You made me who I am today and will continue on shaping me through my heart. I will be a great teacher and When I reach a student Like you've reached me I know My Job is Done.

Love Your Darling Little MaryJo clone

Jeannine Ziccardi

August 19, 2003

Ms. Brooks,

Not only were you an Inspiration to your own children, but you were also one to your children at Archbishop Ryan. You always told us that we were one of your favorite classes and enjoyed teaching us. You always gave us advise about anything and everything to do with school and even not with school. Now that you are not with us physicialy, we know that you are here with us spiritly. We will miss you deeply and thank you for everything that you have taught us and we will always keep you in our minds, hearts and souls! In Loving Memory of Mary Jo Brooks! We will miss you and God Bless!

Val Davies

August 19, 2003

I will never have another teacher/mentor like Mrs. Brooks. When I was going through my toughest times, she was there to listen and advise.

She is why I am where I am today.

Thank you, Mrs. Brooks, for everything you have taught me, and for being a great friend. I'll always have a special place for you in my heart.

Thank you for being an inspiration.

Dee Durante

August 19, 2003

Dear Ted and Michael

I don't know if you even remember us but we were your neighbors when you were growing up in "Parkwood". My daughter Susan often babysat for you. Although your mother and I kept in touch during Christmas mailings the last time I saw her was about 4 years ago when she stopped to visit us in Brigantine. Paul and I are unable to be their Friday night but our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. May God help you through the difficult days ahead.

Dee & Paul Durante

Denise Diorio

August 19, 2003

To the Brooks and Falino family I extend my deepest sympathy. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Mary Jo, Mother Aurelia, and Frances are now in the arms of Jesus.

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