My Mother's Passing: a Bit of Her Story

Mom - a Candid Moment with our Granddaughter

Today I would like to share some of the important or interesting details about the life of my mother, Marguerite Ada Moyers, who became Brooks later.  Our mother, Marguerite Ada Brooks, was born in 1932, in Los Angeles, California. Her father was Eugene Moyers, who was born in 1891, a certified public accountant and a World War I wounded US Army veteran. Eugene married our grandmother, Maude Eva Barnhart, after meeting her in a Los Angeles music store, where they both were working at the time. Mother experienced frequent moves with her family around the United States, including Washington D.C. for a period of my mother’s younger years, time spent in Utah during World War II, and many other years in San Diego. Mom had a strong bond with her brothers, Gilbert and Thomas and is survived by her lovely sisters, Elizabeth LeSage and Virginia Beckett (aunts Betty and Ginny!).  

Marguerite grew up enjoying music, particularly. She enjoyed singing and eventually took voice in order to learn arias from various operas. As a girl, she was an avid reader, and loved the public library where she would sign up for summer reading programs.  She was excellent at sewing and school work, developing strong organizational skills. She took piano lessons as a girl, loved playing with friends and was a fan of the old radio drama programs that preceded the availability of television. As a high school student she needed to help the family make ends meet, so she moved in with a family and served as a nanny and tutor for three children.

After graduating from Long Beach Poly High School, Mom worked and started City College. Eventually, she met Ronald Brooks through his sister, Janice. After Ron returned from a four year stint in the Navy during the Korean War, Mom and Dad married in 1951. 

Mother finished college, but did so after raising four children, with the oldest being Teri Ann, born in 1953, the youngest Casey Andrew, born in 1970, and the middle sons Daniel Ryan in 1955 and Matthew Charles, who was born in 1962. 

Mother’s father, Eugene, passed away in 1965 and he was given a 21 gun salute. Her mother, Maude, passed away in 2001 at the age of 97 years. Marguerite, like her brothers and sisters, was devoted to her mother Maude and spent much time with her on weekends in San Diego during the late 1990’s. Maude was a devoted Christian and practiced regular Bible reading and prayer. She wrote insightful letters regularly to all of her family and thus inspired many. 

For over 55 years, Mother remained in the Lakewood, California family home she and Ron had raised their family in.  During the last five years she has resided in Beaumont, buying her dream retirement house in those recent times. Going back to the Lakewood house, the family room was an addition, with a step down and a big, used brick fireplace. The builder of this inviting family room was our step-grandfather, Ralph Flory, whom passed on in 1989, and Marguerite always treasured her relationship with her step-father, Ralph. 

Mom went on to receive her Associate in Arts degree from Long Beach City College her Bachelor’s in Science from California State University, Long Beach, and her Master’s in Science in Counseling also from Long Beach State. She continued on until she studied and did her practicum hours to receive a  credential from the State of California as a School Psychologist. Mother’s 30 plus year career in the public schools included serving as a School Counselor in Long Beach and over 20 years as a Psychologist in the Garden Grove USD. 

Mom was one who showed the way for her children, always encouraging us to pursue educational pathways that would open secure doors and provide a solid foundation under our feet.  Mom did this by guiding us, but most importantly, by her own actions.  We would walk the halls of learning where she had walked before us, literally going to her schools and following through on the path she carved.

Her favorite things were traveling with her sister Betty and staying in hotels together.  They regularly met up with Ginny and Ron, enjoying their visits in Yuma together.  She loved having season tickets for theatre and orchestra, and she had many friends over the years with which she enjoyed these pursuits.  

Mom loved meeting with friends and family over a meal.  She tried to never miss the graduation, wedding or award ceremony for her children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Mom loved her extended family and valued reunions, the last of which we had right after her 80th birthday when many from the Moyers clan attended a large gathering in the Yucaipa Regional Park. 

Mom was active at Lakewood (Grace) First Presbyterian Church as a Deacon and a long time choir member.  She traveled to Europe and Russia with the choir many years ago.  Here lifetime travels included Ireland, the Panama Canal and  other European destinations. 

Over the years she belong to the School Psychologist’s Association and School Counselor’s organization.  After moving to Beaumont, she joined the Republican Women’s association, the Redlands Woman’s League (volunteered in their Thrift Store), was part of the University Women’s group for Redlands University and enjoyed the social life found in activities and outings at Solera community in Beaumont. 

Mom never stopped.  She always had more plans to go  and do and see.  She encouraged every one she knew to do the same and loved her large family of four children, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. 

Mom was a deeply spiritual person who had a great and abiding faith in Christ.   She was a giving person and loved all in her own family and the extended family of relatives that she was so proud of.  Her sweet smile and eager conversation will be missed always. -- Patient-Online