Pamela L. Brooks

Pamela L. Brooks, 72, passed away in Rockford, Illinois on April 8, 2023. Born in Chicago, Illinois on January 8, 1951, one of three children to Thomas and Leora (Cretsinger) McNicholas. She went on to get a master’s degree in education and spent over 30 years as a teacher in the Rockford Public School District 205 school district before her retirement.

Pam was a person with strong dedication; she dedicated her life to her work, her faith, and to her family. She enjoyed being a special education teacher and spent some time as a special education supervisor before going back to her roots as a teacher; she never took a summer break because teaching was what she was called for, even in summer school.

She married the love of her life, Thomas Brooks Jr. on July 24, 1975, and they were proud parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Peter for over 40 years. Her love of helping others compounded with her strong faith and she was honored to serve on the St. Peter’s school commission.

Her sons will always remember and be grateful for the practices she took them to, cheering them on at games, driving them to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, taking photos of every bit of their life and achievements, and even being there for everything she could be when their son Tom joined the military. When she did allow time to herself, she enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, looking forward to every next season and in between she found peace in caring for her flower gardens or in her ever-growing stationary collection. With or without a reason, there was always time to send letters to those she loved.

She will be survived by those who loved her most, her husband of 47 years, Thomas; their sons, Tom and Nick Brooks; her sister, Merrill McNicholas and brother, Thomas McNicholas. She is predeceased by her parents.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Funeral Mass will take place the following day, Monday April 17, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N Church Street, Rockford, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Winnebago County Animal Services. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com