Dearest Mary and Bill,
If you wondered at my silence since your Mom’s passing, please forgive me. Every time I’d sit down to write, I would feel such grief that not a word would come.
Finally this morning, the grip of sadness loosened somewhat. It’s time to let you know that I’ve been thinking of you a lot, and remembering many sweet and fun and funny times at the house on Sutherland. You’re surely aware of how much your Mom meant to me over the years, but I’d like to share a few things with you now. However, sometimes it’s easier to express my sentiments in light verse, than it is to speak in more emotional straight-talk. So here is a whimsical but heartfelt tribute to your Mom:

In Remembrance of Helen
 
She left many fond memories,
This woman so dear--
The kindest of souls
With a smile full of cheer.

Ever ready with kisses
By the day or the week,
(And her thumb to wipe lipstick
That was left on your cheek.)

She loved a good joke
And would laugh till she cried,
(If you told her more good ones
Her eyes never dried!)

She loved so many people
And with such a big heart,
To count her good deeds--
Where would you start?

For instance, how many heads
Of hair did she cut?
And color and perm--
And then let us all strut.

From crew-cuts to curls,
To a “little off the ends”--
She “spiffed up” her neighbors
And family and friends.

It’s no wonder she felt
Like a “second mother”--
To me (and apparently,
To many another!)

A deeply devout Catholic,
She loved her Church--
For a  more spiritual fervor
There was no need to search.

To the angels, the saints, and
To God Himself she prayed,
And when that wasn’t enough
A Novena was made!

She was a devoted soldier
In the Legion of Mary–
Her rosary, the Defense 
Of choice she would carry.

Any request for some
Extra celestial aid,
Went straight to God’s ear--
(Her pleas never delayed!)

Now there is one thing
We can all know for sure:
Helen’s our new Angel in Heaven--
And nothing could be truer!  

        With great affection for you both, and for Richard and Sue and David and Zach, and for all who loved and appreciated Helen throughout her life... 

        [And Brooksie, I still bless the day that your Mom and you, met my Mom and me, at that kindergarten bus stop!]

God bless all of you for your expressions of love.
As my brother, Bill, so eloquently said in Mom's eulogy, "It's the small acts of love and kindness that truly make the world a better place.  Mom did more than her share and now we have to take up the slack." You have all taken up the slack.
Love,
Mary (Brooks) Cordova

Thank you all for your kindness and memories. Of course we remember all of you Tracy kids. Your dad helped mine to build an addition on to the front of our house and we enjoyed getting together. Although I don't know Mr. Benshoof, Mary appreciates not only your concern but, as with everybody on this Guest book, the fact that you took the time to express it. Thanks Zoe. We remember you fondly and enjoyed the friendship of both you and Elaine. The extended Wenzelberger clan and the Brooks clan have bonds thicker than blood, forged in bad as well as the many good times. To John, my oldest friend, thank you again. Mom found that the secret to happiness was in giving not receiving - easy to say but hard for most of us to do. Love, Bill and Mary

Bill and Mary,
This is Pat (Tracy) Benton and am sorry for the loss of your mother. I rember my dad, Glenn Tracy working with your dad and some haircuts by your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat

Dear Bill and Mary,
So sorry to read of yur mother's passing.  You may wonder who this stranger is writing in the guest book.  I'm one of the "Tracy Tribe".  Our father, Glen Tracy worked with your father, and our mothers became friends as our families visited back and forth, sometimes at your house and sometimes at our house on Marmaduke St.  Our mothers were probably in the Ladies' Sodality together at Epiphany.  I vaguely remember some major work being done on your home - perhaps an addition.  This might have been in the mid 50's.  As I recall it took a lot of lumber, nails, roofing, and most importantly, beer.  Another memory is of the permanents your mother would give to me and four sisters every summer before school started. 
 You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jean Tracy Shipley

Dear Mary and Richard,
I hope all is going as well as it can.

Your Friend Jim Benshoof

Helen Brooks was a saint in our eyes and many others. She was a second Mother to me, many years before being blessed with her own, Bill & Mary.
We will all miss her, but she will be in our prayers and thoughts forever.
Her good deeds are too numerous to mention, and they will all be with me forever in memorys.
God will surly bless Helen.  Stanley and my mom are waiting for her.

Love, Bill & Del-Ann Wenzelburger      (St Petersburg, Fl.)

Bill and Mary,
   Someone once said, "you aren't judged by those that you love but by those that love you".  Can't think of anyone more loved than Helen.  Your mom was truely a great person who always helped others without reservations.  I remember when we were kids, she always seemed so happy.  Wish I knew her secret.  She will be missed.   love   john reiter and family

Bill and Mary,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.  She was such a wonderful person and always willing to help others.  She took good care of Elaine, and helped me in many ways, I was very gratefull for all that she did for me (and Elaine), and I have very fond memories of her.  Elaine would not have gotten such a wonderful start if it was not for your mom.  I am sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral, but my thoughts will be with all of you during this time.
Love,
Zoe

OBITUARY

Helen E. Brooks

July 8, 1914 – July 24, 2010

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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