Elizabeth Madeleine Magee Brooks, 96, Devoted Mother and Volunteer

Elizabeth, known affectionately as "Bessie" to friends and family, passed away on Feb. 1, 2018 at her home in Chester Heights PA, after a long illness, with her family by her side.

She was very active in the community, a long time member of a group of women known as the "Do-Gooders", who helped with fundraising on every occasion at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Chester Heights where the family moved to in 1961. For 27 years she also volunteered for the Neumann University Cultural Arts Forum, becoming its Treasurer, and assisting with the annual Fashion Show and organizing the seating arrangements.

Born at home Oct. 2, 1921, to Elizabeth Clark McGuiness and John Francis Magee (McGhee), and living in Germantown and Mt. Airy Philadelphia, she graduated from Cecilian Academy in 1939. She first met her future husband, John S. J. Brooks, on a blind date set up by a nun for the Academy's Graduation Ball at the Bellevue Hotel. The couple got married August 16, 1944. After the war they moved to Lansdowne, and later moved back to the Brooks family home on 70th St. in Philadelphia. He became a prominent lawyer in Media Delaware County, and she graciously hosted many a party for relatives and friends in her home.

She was always encouraging and caring, had a good sense of humor, and was steady and calm in any emergency. Like other members of the Greatest Generation, she never complained. She instilled in her children a sense of duty, loyalty, respect, and dignity, and set a great example herself.

She was predeceased by 4 brothers and her husband of 56 years in 2001.

She is survived by her children: Barbara A. Brooks, John S. J. Brooks (Brighid, deceased), Gerald T. (Joanne), Elizabeth Bonanni (Edward), Joseph P. (Denise), and Thomas A. (Deborah); as well as 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neumann University Cultural Arts Forum, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014.

Viewing will be Friday Feb 9th from 9:15-10:15am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Road, Chester Heights. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 am at the church. Burial will be in St. Thomas the Apostle Church Cemetery. Arrangements: Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, Aston. Condolences may be made at www.nolanfidale.com.

Service Location St. Thomas The Apostle Church Get Directions

Begins: Feb 09, 2018 10:30am - 11:15am

430 Valleybrook Road Glen Mills, PA 19342 Cemetery Location St. Thomas The Apostle Cemetery Get Directions

Feb 09, 2018 11:30am - 11:45am

430 Valleybrook Road Glen Mills, PA 19342 Condolences