Bonnie M. Brooks 1935-2025

Born April 4, 1935, in Youngstown, Bonnie dedicated her life to nurturing and inspiring those around her, both at home and in her profession as an educator.

Proudly, Bonnie graduated as valedictorian from Chaney High School and went on to earn a master’s degree from Youngstown State University.

Bonnie’s career, spanning 25 years as a teacher for St. Christine’s, was marked by her unwavering commitment to her students and the joy she found in educating young minds.

Bonnie loved the outdoors and found immense joy in camping adventures, often cherishing moments spent in the beautiful landscapes of southwest Florida, particularly in Fort Myers and Sanibel Island.

She spent 56 lovely years with her husband, Herbert “Gerry” Brooks, sharing many happy memories together. An avid reader, she also found pleasure in solving puzzles and creating her own, reflecting her sharp intellect and creativity.

Bonnie was a proud member of the Infant of Prague.

She leaves behind her cherished family, including her daughters, Nancy (Michael) Suhar of Canfield, Diane Spotleson of Leetonia, Kathy (Gary) Cook of Fort Myers, Florida; and her sons, Herb (Sherry) Brooks of Seattle, Washington, and Robert (Cathy) Brooks of Austintown. Also mourning her loss are her brothers, Jim (Carol) Amrich of Youngstown, Barry Amrich of Texas, Brad (Patty) Amrich of Youngstown and Bruce (Bonnie) Amrich of Youngstown. Bonnie’s legacy will also continue on through her 13 grandchildren, Justin (Meghan) Brooks, Paul (Susan) Suhar, Ralph (Tiffany) Spotleson, Tim Spotleson, Danielle (Justin) Staub, Bobby (Matt) Brooks, Tony (Victoria) Brooks, Tatiana Coller, Anna Cook, Lt. Mark (Erin) Brooks, SSgt. Alex Cook, Danny Brooks and Joey Brooks. She also leaves behind 13 loving great-grandchildren, Cora and Ivy Brooks, Madison Suhar, Ralph, Ryan, Rileigh, Roman Spotleson, McKenzie and Landon Staub, Aiden and Izzy Coller, Hadley and Emersyn Cook.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, James and Marie Amrich; and her husband, Herbert “Gerry” Brooks, three significant figures whose love shaped her.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, where loved ones can come together to honor the remarkable life of a truly extraordinary woman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you send donations to St. Christine Church in support of St. Christine School.

Arrangements were handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

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