Lucretia M. Brooks

BROOKS (née Lamarra) Lucretia “Lu” Margaret, March 14, 2019, age 90, of Downingtown, formerly of Chestnut Hill and Flourtown. Born in Camden, New Jersey on June 6, 1928, she graduated from John Bartram High School in 1948. She continued her education at the Philadelphia Trade School, specializing in typing. She spent several years an Office Manager at Main & Co., located in Center City, Philadelphia. She also volunteered and proudly served as a ‘WAVE’ in the U.S. Navy during The Korean War, from 1951 until 1954. Lu enjoyed a successful career as an Independent Contractor and Professional Typist, where she had several CPA’s as clients. She provided her expertise to her clients in the preparation of complicated financial statements. She was later employed by Shephard and Co. for 20 years, up until the time of her retirement. As Entrepreneur, she founded “Yesterday’s Boutique and Collectibles”, an antique and consignment shop located in Ambler, PA. Lu met the love of her life, James, at a weenie roast/party in 1952.  She was fixed up with ‘Jim’ by her younger sister Marie. Jim enjoyed telling the story of how he met her while she was standing next to the beer keg.  Lu and Jim were married on June 25, 1953 and inseparable during their 58 years together; Jim passed away in 2012.   Their desire for children was boundless, as they tried for years to have children. In 1961, Lu and Jim adopted a baby girl and named her Laura. Lu was very involved in Saint Anne’s Adoptive Mother’s Club, sponsored through the Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, during that time, she held elected positions as President, Chairman and Treasurer of the Club. In 1963, Lu gave birth to their son, James Jr., whom she always kidded that “she waited 9 years for him”. Now their family was complete. Lu and Jim were the most loving, selfless and devoted parents that any children could hope for. Besides her family, she loved black cats (all named ‘Poo’) and her faithful dog ‘Perkie’. She called herself ‘Snow White’ and fancied herself to be a ‘Witch’, as her favorite color was black. She had a sixth sense about things and could read people just by meeting them. She was fiercely loyal, protective and giving to all in need; both family and friends alike. She was a care giver, as she took care of both her mother and father in the final years of their lives. Lucretia was the Beloved Wife of James Joseph Patrick, Sr., who proceeded her in death. Devoted Mother of Laura Golanoski (Lee) and James Jr. (Jacque) and Loving Nanny to Analise, Thomas, Jimi 3rd (Hannah) and Theresa; Great Grand Mother to James IV and ‘Baby Brooks’ (due on 4/1/19). Dear daughter of the late Michael Lamarra, and Laura (née Cericola) and loving sister of the late Jack (Irma), Laura (Van), Michael, Ralph (Eileen) and William. She is also survived by her sister Rose (Jack) and Marie (Jack), sister-in-law Patsy (Pat), as well as many nieces and nephews.