Matilda J. "Wahl" Brooks

Matilda Jean Brooks, 89, of Wappingers Falls NY, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Born on August 11, 1936, in Middlefield, Otsego County NY, Matilda was the daughter of the late J. Andrew and Esther Moore Wahl. In 1956, she married the love of her life, the late John H. Brooks, Sr. That same year, they welcomed their son, John H. Brooks, Jr. Sadly, Johnny passed away at the tender age of five, a loss Matilda carried with quiet strength throughout her life.

Matilda's life was defined by service to others, and she has been honored and recognized with many awards for her unwavering commitments. She was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church in Beacon and an active participant in their Women's Group. An active life member of several veterans' organizations for nearly 50 years, she served as Commander/President and other executive and supportive roles for: the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #144 Auxiliary Unit Castle Point and DAV Dept of NY Auxiliary; the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5913 Auxiliary Wappingers Falls and VFW Auxiliary Dept. of NY District 2; and the Military Order of the Cootie Auxiliary Grand of NY. She has volunteered over 30,000 hours at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System-Castle Point facility in various roles: inpatient transporter, clothing room, facility info desk, and DAV transport driver. She was a member of Knights of Columbus Trinity Council No. 445. Matilda loved to travel to the conventions, conferences and training sessions throughout NY and across the nation. She has been an inspiration for her dedication to supporting all veterans, active-duty personnel, their families and community, and her endearing smile and generous heart will be sorely missed.

Matilda joined the Chelsea Fire Co. in 1980 as an active firefighter and has assisted at nearly every event since, always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a member of the Fire Police organizations in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties, and the Fire Fighters Assoc. of the State of NY. Born on a farm, she remained dedicated to agricultural interests as member of NY State, Otsego Co. Pomona Grange #16 and Westville Grange #540. Before retirement, Matilda worked as a home care aid for a private agency, for the Dutchess Co. Office of the Aging, and for the Highland Hospital in Beacon. For fun, she loved playing cards and dominos with friends.

Matilda is survived by her brother-in-law, Rev. Fred R. Brooks, Sr.; her many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews; her goddaughter; and her many friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, William, George, Andrew, Walter, Minna, and Henrietta, and a few nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, February 23, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon. There will be memorials by her member organizations, and a funeral service will be held at 7:30 p.m., with Pastor Yeon Shin officiating.

To send a personal condolence or share photos, visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Memorial donations can be made in Matilda's honor to any veterans organization of choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of: Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC 2 Beekman Street, PO Box 129 Beacon, New York 12508-0129 • (845) 831-0380.