Catherine Brooks

Catherine Forshee Brooks, 93, passed away Monday, March 14, 2011 at the Good Shepherd Home. Born March 20, 1917 in Kellogg, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Mae Doestow and Frank Forshee. Catherine's family moved to Mansfield in 1921 from Flint, Michigan and she was an area resident most of her life. She graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1935 and Mansfield Business College. Following graduation, she was employed at Westinghouse Corp. as a secretary. She then was employed at Christian Science Retirement Hotel in Cleveland and later became a qualified officer of Cedar Ridge C.S. Retirement Facility in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where she served as residential aide and Activity Director. Catherine was a member of and Sunday school teacher at First Church of Christ Science in Mansfield and the Mother Church in Boston, MA. A student of her religion, she studied and became a Christian Science Practitioner. A woman of many interests, Catherine also was a member of the League of Women Voters, charter member of Mohican Garden Club and took a special interest in the Mansfield Art Center and Mansfield Symphony.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Jim Wareham of Columbus and Valerie Tom Mapes of Ashland; nine grandchildren, Jamey Christy, Nathan, Ryan Kate, Kent Michelle, Chris, Bryan Ruth, Holly Adam, Levi and Katie; eight great-grandchildren; and cousin, Helen Mary Chandler of Fenton, MI. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ned Brooks in 1977; son, Terry Brooks and his wife, Marilynn in 1995; and daughter Linda Brooks in 2010.

Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to assist the family with a memorial service to be held at a later date. Contributions in Catherine's memory may be made to the First Church of Christ Scientists or any veteran's memorial fund.