Rosemary “Romy” Brooks, 97, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at her home following a brief illness.
She was born May 23, 1929, in Switzerland and followed her brother to the United States in 1950. She married William Brooks in 1955 in Mt. Kisco, NY, where they raised four children.
In Mt. Kisco, Romy was a 4-H leader for 15 years, sharing her knitting expertise with the group and attending 4-H leadership training in Washington, DC. Throughout the years, she provided family and friends with many knitted items. She worked as a realtor for several years and was a graduate of the Realtors Institute and a member of the New York State Council of Realtors. Romy served on the Conservation Advisory Council and the Beautification Committee of Mt. Kisco. In her 90s, she discovered the joy of liquid acrylic painting and had five shows of her artwork.
Romy lived in Connecticut for 30 years, where she volunteered for the Women’s Exchange Boutique. For many years, she ran the Magazine Room, sorting and organizing thousands of magazines for residents to swap, donate, and borrow. Romy was an active member of the German Conversation Group, serving as their leader for several years.
She moved to Acacia Village in Utica, NY, in 2025. She enjoyed reading, painting, beading, baking, and knitting. She loved spending time with friends and family.
Romy will be deeply missed by her sons, Michael (Patty) Brooks, of Holly Springs, NC, son, Gregory (Jackson Cordova) Brooks of Pound Ridge, NY; and daughter, Wendy (Tom) Dever of Homer, NY. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Mario Brooks of North Dakota, Sergio Brooks of Montgomery, NY, Lauren (Corey) Thomas of Cincinnatus, NY, and Matthew Dever of Denver, CO. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews in Switzerland.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill, and was greeted in heaven by her loving daughter, Danielle Brooks.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Acacia Village at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica.
