Margaret Brooks, age 93, died peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at St. Mary's Home – Little Sisters of the Poor at 2325 North Lakewood in Chicago, Illinois.  She was born on April 22, 1926 in Paris, Kentucky.  She was the loving daughter of George and Ethel (Thomas) Brooks.  She was the devoted sister of Norman, Georgetta, Edna, and Elias Brooks, all who have predeceased her. Margaret had two other siblings, Ethel and J.C., who died shortly after birth.  Margaret was the beloved aunt to several generations of dozens of nieces and nephews, many whom she helped raise, including some who lived with her for many years.

Her father George died in 1927 when she was 1 year old and afterwards her mother Ethel moved the family from Kentucky to Chicago to find work.  As a teenager, Margaret began to go to the Martin De Porres Center with her friend Clemmie Collins. At the Center, she found her most important mentor, Mary Widman.  Mary was the Founder and Director of the Center. Margaret and Mary Widman shared a life-long, loving friendship and passion for helping families and children.  Margaret began attending Mass with Mary at Saint Malachy Catholic Church.  She felt the strong presence of God there and was baptized on December 6, 1942 at St. Malachys by Father Martin Farrell.  She was confirmed by Cardinal Stritch on May 29, 1945.  After joining the Church, Margaret convinced her mother and most of her family to share her new faith.  Mary Widman was her guiding light who helped her find her purpose in life.  In 1944, Margaret began living and working at the Center and spent most of her adult life there.  The Center was originally located at 2655 West Fulton but moved to a large three floor house at 3322 West Washington Boulevard. Mary formed a group, with Margaret's help, called the Martin De Porres Workers and they were joined by Barbara Boril, Cathryn Peters, and Elizabeth Mangelsdorf.  Mary, Margaret and the other Workers took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to better serve God's people.  This powerful group of women provided activities and support for families on the westside of Chicago.  For many summers while at Martin De Porres, Margaret and the workers brought neighborhood children to a donated farm called Marycrest which the Center operated in Elgin, Illinois.  Margaret never married, but during her time at the Center, she helped raise and care for hundreds of children whose parents needed help to care for them.  In 2014, Maryville Academy presented Margaret with the Spirit of Maryville Award for her many years of selfless devotion to the Center.  Cardinal George presented the award to her. Margaret greatly admired the Dominican priests at the Dominican House of Studies in River Forest and became a Third Order Dominican. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for many years. She was a choir member and active parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica until her death.

Margaret's Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, 3121 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60612 on Monday, January 13, 2020, with the Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Margaret will be buried near her mother and siblings at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 1400 South Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162.  After the burial, there will be a repast in Margaret's honor in the church's basement.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, www.ols-chicago.org .

For further information please call 312-421-0936.