She was born in New Haven, CT, to the late Earle and Marguerite Cort, and grew up in the Boston area.
She was a graduate of Bates College and met James (Jimmie) Cole Brooks when he was a young merchant marine. They married in January, 1944, and eventually moved to Raleigh, where they lived until Jimmie passed away in 1992. They also spent many years enjoying their second home at Lake Gaston. She then moved to Cary to reside at Glenaire Retirement Community, where she lived her remaining years.
A very independent lady, she had traveled the world; was a master bridge player; loved cross stitch, jigsaw, and crossword puzzles; and enjoyed tennis and golf on ESPN. She and Jimmie were active in civic work through his involvement in Kiwanis, United Way, and many other worthy organizations. She loved time with family and friends from W. Raleigh Presbyterian, the Wolfpack, and Glenaire.
She is survived by her son, John (wife Debbie), of Morrisville and her daughter, Judy, of Yuma, AZ. Also surviving are her grandchildren Jason Brooks, Jessica Walsh, Evan Short, Kirk Short, and Kim Morales along with 7 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 16 from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Rd. Cary, NC 27511. There will be a time of visitation and reception, the following afternoon, at Glenaire Retirement Community at the assisted living facility at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, with a memorial service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Presbyterian Homes Inc. Foundation c/o Glenaire, 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary, NC 27511.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Glenaire for their years of love, care, and support to our mom/grandma.
