Maria L. Brooks, age 80, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life with family by her side on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.

Maria was born on August 29, 1941 in Laredo, TX to the late Encarnacion and Isabel (Rodriguez) Gonzalez.  On May 18, 1960, Maria married Roberto N. Brooks in Laredo, TX.  He preceded her in death on October 26, 2021.  Maria was the rock of her family and raised her nine children.  She was an excellent cook – her tortillas, drunken beans, and tamales were the best!  Maria was a very generous person, and in some ways, she expressed her generosity to others through her love of cooking.  She enjoyed going to rummage sales, Walmart, and St. Vincent De Paul.  Maria had a passion for sweets.  Lemon meringue pies, conchas, and galletas de canela, along with a cup of Maxwell coffee, were at the top of the list.  Above all, Maria loved the time she was able to spend with her family and friends.

Survivors include Maria's nine children, Leticia Brooks, Ana Brooks, Diana Brooks, Roberto Brooks, Jr., Gloria (Pablo) Jaimes, Nora Jaimes, Hipolito Brooks, Dora Ibarra, and Cesar (Wendy) Brooks; 33 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; sister, Antonia Tovar; also other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roberto; son, Oscar Brooks; grandson, Juan P. Jaimes, sister, Ana Reyes; and two brothers, Dario Gonzalez and Jesus Gonzalez.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.  Deacon Alan Boeldt will officiate with cremation to take place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel at a later date.  Family and friends may join a live stream of Maria's funeral service on the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home Facebook page at Noon.  Following the funeral service, a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.  The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at Noon.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

Maria's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers, especially nurse Robert "Roberto".

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.