Donna Brooke

Donna R. Brooke

May 27, 1934

February 9, 2016

Loving wife, incredible mother, caring, fun and funny grandmother, Donna Brooke passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Donna was born to Dante G. Ronchetti and Ruth M. Allen on May 27, 1934. Raised in Sparks, she attended Mary Lee Nichols School, Robert Mitchell Elementary, Sparks Junior High, and graduated from Sparks High School--all without missing a single day of school (except for a chickenpox recess). She married her high school sweetheart, John Brooke, on August 14, 1955.

Mom was a true friend. Whether you were family, friend, or even a friend of her children, if you were in need, she was there to help. In her lifetime, she cared for many, and she prided herself in having a strong work ethic and commitment to duty. She accepted any task, no matter how difficult or unpleasant--always taking it on to its end. Perhaps this is why she could always encourage you or offer the support you needed to accomplish some seemingly overwhelming feat.

Donna was a "cook extraordinaire". Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and each family member's special birthday dinners were always amazing. But her St. Patrick's Day parties were legendary, with corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and her crown jewel "green spaghetti" always on the menu. For years, even old high school friends of her children would flock to her house for this gathering. Thanks Mom for theses memories and so much more. You were our strength, our rock, the glue that held us all together.

Donna finally succumbed to the complications from a major stroke she suffered in July, 2011. She leaves behind her loving husband of over 60 years, John R. Brooke, her children Vickie Brooke, Eric Brooke (Ledena), and Molly Brooke (Paul Turner), her grandchildren Erin Asquith (Craig), Scott Baxter (Charlotte), Dante and Zeke Brooke, Ema, Ruby and Milo Turner, and one great-grandchild, Owen Baxter. In addition, she leaves behind her loving cousin Margaret Rozzoni of Clements, CA, her nephew Mark Ronchetti and his wife Lycia, as well as many other family members, too numerous to mention.

Our family would like to thank Penny Larnkjaer and Janice Leese who were Vickie's sisters-in-arms performing day to day care for Donna. They loved her deeply and the family is so appreciative of their constant smiles, support and humor in caring for Mom. Also thanks to Infinity Hospice who gave us the very best support when the family needed it the most. To Dr. Coughlin and his assistant Rose, the family gives special thanks for their help early on, and their continued encouragement throughout our journey in caring for Mom.

As per her wishes there will be no services.