Blanche Geraldine Brooks

Blanche Brooks September 10, 1931 – May 7, 2026 With deep love and gratitude for a life well and beautifully lived, the family of Blanche Brooks announces her unexpected passing on May 7, 2026, at the age of 94. Blanche was born on September 10, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and lived a life defined by compassion, creativity, faith, and service to others. At the age of 18, Blanche left Winnipeg for New York City, then Minneapolis and west to Missoula, MT, where she met Bob Brooks in 1958. They met while painting the kitchen of a mutual friend. They both laughed that their friend had left while they painted the kitchen. They married on June 6, 1959, and started their lives together, in which they enjoyed travel all over the world, family, and service to their community. As a nurse, Blanche devoted her professional life to caring for others with skill and kindness. Following her nursing career, she continued her lifelong commitment to helping people by teaching literacy, opening doors for countless individuals through education and encouragement. As a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Blanche’s faith was an important part of her life and it guided her service to others throughout the years. She was also an active member of The Homer Club established in 1891, one of the longest active book clubs in the U.S., which she remained active in until the day of her passing. She volunteered for 15 years at the Butte Hospital, the Butte Food Bank, the Butte Silver Bow Chapter of the Blind, and participated enthusiastically in a variety of local art groups including the former Marian White group. Blanche proudly obtained her U.S. citizenship to actively voice her vote. We will miss hearing the tales from her beloved knitting group with whom she shared both her talent and her appreciation for beauty, friendship, and her lifelong appreciation of art and learning, not to mention the art of “Growing Older for Dummies”. Blanche will be remembered for her warm heart, quick wit, wisdom, and genuine interest in people. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and heard. Whether caring for patients, teaching someone to read, creating art, serving her Church, or spending time with family and friends, she brought grace and purpose to every part of her life. The grandkids and greats were her joy! Blanche was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert John Brooks, with whom she shared more than six decades of marriage. Predeceasing her were her siblings Barbara, Byron, Beverly and Jackie. She is survived by her children, Paul and wife Marlee, David and wife Jill, and Susan and husband Brett, as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. Blanche’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, dear friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness and openness. She was willing to share her opinions with the caveat of “don’t ask, if you don’t want the answer”. Blanche’s children received some of her best advice — “There is weather outside, go out.” One of Blanche’s favorite directives was “If you don’t send me flowers while I am alive, please don’t bother after I am gone.” In keeping with her spirit in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Butte-Silver Bow Public Library, or a local food bank, cancer, or diabetic group. Blanche’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will endure. Please join us for the service at St. John’s Episcopal Church 15 N. Idaho, Butte MT 59701 on June 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held in the parish hall following the service.

Tributes

Blanche Geraldine Brooks

September 10, 1931 - May 7, 2026