Mrs. Mary Brooks

Mary Brooks, a beloved matriarch and source of warmth, entered her heavenly home on July 1, 2026. Born on October 6, 1927, in Washington, DC, to Michael and Angelina Petruzzeli, Mary lived with dedication, grace, and an enduring capacity to love. Mary’s journey was rooted in the community she called home. After attending District of Columbia Public Schools, she built a steady, distinguished career, serving for 34 years as an accountant at Pitney Bowes, Inc.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary’s true legacy lies in the family she cherished and the people she touched. She has now been reunited in heaven with her husband, James Emory Brooks; her parents, Michael and Angelina; her sister, Anna; her brother, Albert; her son, Michael; and her daughter, Ava Marie.

Mary’s spirit will continue to live on through those who survive her, including her step-brother, Michael Petrzelli; her nephew, Ramo Petruzelli; her devoted daughters, Waheeda Ali-Salamm and Lanita; and son-in-law, Andrew Colbert; Dolores Brooks and Bernadette Brooks; as well as five nieces, 2 nephews, 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Her reach extended far beyond her immediate family, embracing a host of loving, special friends who were

like family to her.

A woman of deep faith and active service, Mary poured her time and energy into her community. She was a passionate advocate through the AARP Ambassador Program. Mary gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ at age 70 under the gospel ministry leadership of Bishop Paul A. Wells, pastor of New Revival Kingdom Church. She later served there with dedication in the servant’s role of Deaconess. She had a great love for

the Lord and the church.

Mary possessed a rare gift for connection. She nurtured beautiful, lifelong bonds with special friends—including Esther Epstein, Vicki Robinson and Peter Dickens—and cultivated genuine kindness for her neighbors and the local shopkeepers she saw daily. She leaves behind a legacy of love, remembered fondly by everyone whose hearts she warmed. Her memory remains a guiding light for all who were blessed to

know her.