Obituary of Mary F. Brook

Mary Brook, 85, of Vineland passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2015 at her home. Born Mary Smith in Astoria, N.Y. in 1929, Mary moved to the Vineland area at the age of fourteen. After graduating from Clayton High School, Mary went to work in the office of Ace Glass, Inc. It was during this time that she met her husband to be, Walter Brook. Years later and in the midst of caring for and raising her family, Mary went back to school to complete her education. Attending Cumberland County College for her Associate Degree, Mary then moved on to Glassboro State College where she attained her Bachelor's Degree. After achieving a Master's degree from Glassboro State College, Mary went on to a successful career as a teacher until her retirement. Mary taught for many years at Our Lady of Victories in Landisville, N.J., in addition to Rowan University. Mary loved to teach, travel, and spend summers at the Shore with her grandchildren. She was an active member of her community, serving as a past President of the Rosary Society of Saint Rose, past Treasurer and President of the American Association of University Women, as well as past Treasurer of the American Theatre Organ Society (South Jersey). Mary was a devout member of St. Rose Parish in Newfield, N.J. since 1945. A dedicated wife and mother of three, Mary valued family, faith, and education. Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Walter Brook, children; Mary McDaris and husband John, Michael Brook and wife Mitzi, David Brook and wife Yvonne, grandchildren; Erin Garton and husband Robert, Steven Vassallo and wife Kathryn, Daniel Vassallo, Matthew, Stephanie, and Ann Marie Brook, great grandchildren; Lucas, Jake and Sydney Garton, and Jude Vassallo. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Lillian (Cadigan) Smith and brothers Henry Smith and Arthur "Bud" Smith. A visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Rose of Lima Church, 104 Catawba Ave., Newfield, NJ on Wednesday, July 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Mary will be laid to rest at All Saints Cemetery in Newfield, NJ Memorial donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Bayada Hospice 608 N. Broad St., Suite 300, Woodbury, NJ 08096. Arrangements are by DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland.