Dorothy Brooks

Youngstown - Dorothy Brooks, 87, of Poland, passed away at Assumption Village Nursing Home under Hospice Care on Easter Sunday after a two year struggle with Alzheimers. She was born Dorothy Frances Smatana on November 21, 1921 in New Kensington, PA, a daughter of Michael and Lucy Komara Smatana. Her mother died when she was 8 years old and she was subsequently raised by an aunt and uncle in Erie. Dorothy was graduate of Erie Academy High School after which she worked as a Executive Secretary for the Lawrence Hotel. She and her family moved to Poland in 1950 where she was a member of the Poland Presbyterian Church and the Women's Auxiliary, Trailwoods Garden Club, and a frequent volunteer. Dorothy was an accomplished bridge player, cook, gardner, and created beautiful needlework all while taking care of her husband and three children with grace and style. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald Brooks whom she married March 11, 1944; and three children, Rebecca Brooks of Boston, MA, Wendy Bean of Powell, OH, and Christopher Brooks of Canfield; two grandchildren, Alana Brooks at Ohio State University, and Lauren Bean at Ohio University; and two cousins, Jack Komara of Erie, PA, and Betty Nejedlik of Reminderville, OH. Besides her parents, aunt and uncle, Dorothy was preceded in death by two sisters. Memorial services will be held Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at the Poland Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Gerald Fennell officiating. Friends will be received Wednesday from 5-8p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland. Contributions may be made to the Poland Presbyterian Church, 10 Poland Manor, Poland, OH 44514. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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