Denise Janet Brooks

Denise Janet Brooks, 64 of Hamilton, passed away on Tuesday July 28, 2020. Denise was born in Toronto, grew up in Aurora and resided in Hamilton for the past 32 years.

In accordance with the regulations of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario due to COVID-19, all visitations, funerals and interments are restricted to a specified number of attendees. All visitors will be required to wear a face covering, as well as provide name and telephone number to funeral home staff.

Visitation will be held at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Ave East on Thursday, August 6th from 2-4pm and 6-9pm.

Denise was born on May 5, 1956 to Caroline Roberts (Brooks) and the late Murray Earle Brooks. She went to Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School in Aurora, attended and studied at McMaster University in Hamilton. Denise was the Executive Director of Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre and has a long history of social advocacy, community service and development in the city of Hamilton. She worked relentlessly to bring about change in the pursuit of social justice.

The recognition of Denise’s accomplishments began as early as high school with her awards for public speaking. In 1973 she placed 1st and 2nd in two different oratorical contests held in the USA sponsored by The Elks Lodge. This fueled her passion going forward to fight against racism, human rights violations, poverty and all forms of social injustice. In 1997 she was recognized by the Board of Directors of Settlement and Integration Service Organization for “5 years of selfless, dedication, commitment and leadership in the service of Immigrants and Refugees in Hamilton.” In 2012 David Christopherson MP Hamilton Centre presented Denise with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of outstanding community service.

Denise is survived by her loving son Jesse, mother Caroline Roberts (Brooks) and step-father Samuel Roberts, godmother Shirley Duncan, sisters Vicky (Wellesley), Coreena (Andrew), brothers Jeffrey (Hina),

Gregory (Lisa), Warren (Mimi), many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Cresmount Funeral Home, Pastor Sceon Leslie, family, friends and colleagues of Denise. Memorial donations can be made to a program or service of your choice provided at Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre, 71 Rebecca Street, Hamilton Ontario L8R 1B6, 905-522-3233 www.hucchc.com

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” (Martin Luther King II)

“There are things you stand up for because it is right” (Nikki Giovanni)