Ivy Brook

Ivy Brook, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the age of 98 surrounded by her loving family. Born Ivy Zelda Grome in Brooklyn, New York on August 21, 1928 to Lou and Sadie Grome, she became a big sister to Richard in 1934. The family moved to Hagerstown, Maryland where, at 13, she met the love of her life, 14-year-old Bob Brook. Their teenage romance continued long-distance when her family settled in San Antonio, Texas, where she attended Thomas Jefferson High School.

Ivy and Bob were married in 1946 and raised three daughters, Debbie, Janis and Honi. She was a stay-at-home mom who helped out Bob whenever needed at their fledgling business, Bob's Delicatessen. She also taught cooking classes and challah baking at the original Jewish Community Center on Quincy Street. Throughout the years, Ivy took freshly baked challahs or rolls to her doctor’s offices for each appointment, quickly making her a favorite patient.

It was around this time that Bob sold his business and took a job that required traveling for two or three months at a time. During the school year, Ivy had all the responsibilities of a single mother, but when summer arrived, it was an entirely different story. A 14 foot camper trailer was purchased and, over the next three summers, Ivy and the girls went on the road with Bob. Ivy prepared quality meals in the tiny trailer kitchen, serving them on the equally tiny table. She also managed to entertain new friends made along the way with her renowned hostess skills. By the end of the third summer the Brook family had been to all 48 of the continental United States and Canada. Many years later, Ivy and Bob continued to enjoy traveling the country, this time in style, visiting dear friends and family. Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Israel were all favorite destinations.

When back in San Antonio, friends and family always felt free to drop by for a visit which usually took place around Ivy and Bob’s kitchen table with a cup of tea and something to eat. Ivy, ever the storyteller, would regale her company with a story or two. She was also a good listener, ready to help anyone in need and was a cherished and valued friend to many.

As her daughters grew, Ivy loved participating in their activities. In the 1960's Temple Beth-El's teenagers knew her as Aunt Ivy, a SAFTY advisor. In addition, she worked as a pre-school teacher at the Jewish Community Center for over 16 years.

Once her daughters were all grown and moved away from W. Mistletoe Street, Ivy's volunteerism kicked up a notch. She was a member of The Daughters of the British Empire and worked their booth for many years during Fiesta’s Night In Old San Antonio. Ivy also served as president of Temple Beth-El Sisterhood. During her term one of her many accomplishments was organizing a fun filled New Year's Eve Gala. Her love of music and dance prompted her to corral several Sisterhood members to don top hats and tap shoes and put on a show for the party-goers. Ivy and Bob also volunteered for many years at the Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner which was very dear to their hearts.

In 1996, Ivy and Bob celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by retaking their vows in front of 100s of family and friends who came from far and near. It was a wonderful celebration planned lovingly by the both of them down to the smallest detail. It was a joyous event and they were blessed to celebrate 12 more wonderful years together after.

Upon Bob's passing in 2008, Ivy spent time at the local Senior Center where she made new friends and even taught a chair belly dancing class. Her last out of town trip was to Houston for her granddaughter's wedding in 2021 where she once again enjoyed catching up with longtime friends and family. Her most recent joy was meeting her 10th great-grandchild born in 2023 in person.

Ivy was a very loving and special woman who never knew a stranger. Her home was her castle and all were invited although an invitation was never required. She was a source of strength and showed her daughters by example what a strong and loving marriage truly was. And in turn, each of her daughters have the same.

Ivy, Mom, Grandma Ivy…You will always be a part of us and impossible to forget.

Ivy leaves behind a loving family including her daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and Les Kempler, Janis and Larry Odensky, Honi and Ken Edwards. Her grandchildren Jason and Monique Kempler, Ben and Claudia Kempler, Evan and Angela Odensky, Lizzy and Neal Wizig, Sam and Mary Edwards, Jessica and Antonio Penn. Her great-grandchildren Moritz and Joe Kempler, Samantha Odensky and Andrew Wizig, Amber, Lindsey, David and Katy Edwards, Brook and Bryson Penn. Brother Richard Grome and his wife Connie. Numerous cousins and friends.

Thank you to Cornelia O’brian and the caring staff at Aging Gracefully and Paige, Stacey and Javier from Good Shepherd Hospice.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 10:00 am at Temple Beth El, 211 Belknap Pl, San Antonio, Texas 78212. A private family interment will take place following.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you send a donation to Temple Beth-El Sisterhood, the ASPCA or charity of your choice.