Lena Brooks

Lena Jane Savory Brooks of South New Berlin died peacefully with her family by her side on October 10, 2019, after a short illness.

Born February 4, 1938, Lena spent her childhood in Guilford, one of nine children of Walter and Mildred (Hovey) Savory. Lena married Jerry Daniel Brooks on June 8, 1957, and spent the remainder of her life on the cherished Brooks family farm in South New Berlin. They shared fifty-two years of marriage until Jerry passed in September 2009.

Lena worked tirelessly alongside her husband, sons, and daughters on the farm, where “she could do all the chores the men can do” (and more, if we’re honest). She enjoyed sewing and knitting, and her family members will forever treasure their beautiful  Christmas stockings. She took pride in her hunting prowess, and in preparing and preserving food from the farm that would be enjoyed during the winter months. She supported her family, friends, and anyone who needed her help, in countless important ways. Her love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable.

She was active for many years in the First Baptist Church of South New Berlin, sometimes playing the organ or the piano, teaching Sunday school, or working with the youth choir. She assisted with the administration of many elections at the South New Berlin polling station. She was fond of dining out with her friends and meeting to get their hair done. She seemed most comfortable in her chair by the front window, watching the comings and goings on the farm and at her birdfeeders. Memories of her “Happy Birthday” phone calls will be held tightly in the hearts of her family.

Lena is survived by her children: Martha Brooks Dibbell, Joseph Brooks (Jean), Daniel Brooks (Laurie), Anna Brooks Madden, and Rebecca Brooks-White (Lee); grandchildren Jeremy Brooks Dibbell, Emily Dello (Tom), Robert Brooks (Tracy), Henry, Earl, and Erin Brooks, Stephanie Gates (Andrew), Margot Brooks (Alex Eaton), Peter Brooks (Abi), Jill Brooks, Troy and Shannon Brooks Madden, Hannah and Grace White; great-grandchildren Everett, Virginia, and Josephine Brooks, Eli Dello, Penny and Oliver Gates, Harriet Eaton Brooks, and Clyde Brooks; sisters Alice Collins, Sylvia Rozelle, and Carolyn Mertz; many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and longtime family friend Donna Barney.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brothers (Frederick, Stanley, Donald, and Reginald Savory), a sister (Doris Thomas), a son (Benjamin Brooks), and granddaughters Beth and Sarah Brooks.

At her request, there will be no service.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Chenango County Hospice, or to the First Baptist Church of South New Berlin.