Obituary: Marney Brooks

Marney Brooks (Margaret Annette Brown), was born Nov. 18, 1922, in St. Paul and passed peacefully on Feb. 4, 2012, surrounded by the loving attention of her husband, Conley, and their children, spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marney is remembered most prominently for the simple and genuine kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity she extended to everyone she encountered. Her love of literature and history motivated her not only to support the Minnesota Historical Society, where she served on the Board and was very instrumental in raising the capital to build the Minnesota History Center, but also to pursue extensive genealogical research and writing, including the books "A Pioneer's Legacy" and "Turning the Leaves."

Marney loved nature and was an avid bird watcher and gardener, as well as being an accomplished musician who generously extended these interests into serving her community. She took great joy in her family as well as in many close friends who all benefited profoundly from her love and care.

Marney is survived by her husband of 67 years, Conley Brooks; her sister, Jo Wright of St. Paul; her children, Conley Brooks Jr. (Carol) of Wayzata, Marlow Brooks of Boulder, CO, Sky Brooks of Boulder, CO, Stephen Brooks (Rachel) of Halifax NS Canada and Markell Hapka (Rick) of Maple Grove MN; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Celebration of Marney's life will be held at Woodhill Country Club located at 200 Woodhill Road in Wayzata, on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Minnesota Historical Society or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Arrangements are being handled by 

David Lee Funeral Home in 

Wayzata.