Margaret Brooks Obituary Margaret "Marney" Brooks (Margaret Annette Brown), was born November 18, 1922 in St. Paul MN, and passed peacefully on February 4, 2012, surrounded by the loving attention of her husband Conley and their children, spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marney is remembered most prominently for the simple and genuine kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity she extended to everyone she encountered. Her love of literature and history motivated her not only to support the Minnesota Historical Society, where she served on the Board and was very instrumental in raising the capital to build the Minnesota History Center, but also to pursue extensive genealogical research and writing, including the books "A Pioneer's Legacy" and "Turning the Leaves". Marney loved nature and was an avid bird watcher and gardener, as well as being an accomplished musician who generously extended these interests into serving her community. She took great joy in her family as well as in many close friends who all benefited profoundly from her love and care. Marney is survived by her husband of 67 years, Conley Brooks; her sister, Jo Wright of St. Paul MN; her children, Conley Brooks Jr. (Carol) of Wayzata MN , Marlow Brooks of Boulder CO, Sky Brooks of Boulder CO, Stephen Brooks (Rachel) of Halifax NS Canada, and Markell Hapka (Rick) of Maple Grove MN; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Memorial Celebration of Marney's life will be held at Woodhill Country Club, 200 Woodhill Road, Wayzata, on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 2:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Minnesota Historical Society or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.