Blanche Marian Brooke

Blanche M. Brooke, 87, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2013 at the Elizabeth House.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 9, 1925, she was the daughter of Polish immigrants, the late Peter and Eleanora (Grodzicka) Wojtecki. She was the youngest of three children which include her sister, Helen Anysz of Brick, N.J., and a deceased brother Henry Wojtecki.

She is survived by her daughter Bonnie C. Brooke of Hendersonville; her sons Daryl (Susanne) Brooke of Key West, Fla., and Todd (Kathy) Brooke of Pittsford, N.Y. She had seven grandchildren, Kristin (John) Cushwa, Keith Brooke, Scott (Maggie) Brooke, Catherine Brooke, Theresa (Nate) Galtieri, Heidi Mallwitz, and Charlotte Brooke, and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 59 years, Harry M. Brooke. She was retired from Kraft Foods on Long Island, N.Y., where she worked as a stenographer. Blanche and Harry enjoyed retirement in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, being involved in various arts. They were members of the Henderson County Gem and Mineral Society, Mineral and Lapidary Museum, and Henderson County Crafters Association. She enjoyed painting, sewing, and crafting beaded jewelry. They attended Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Blanche was an avid volunteer for several years at Mainstay Store and the Council on Aging Store.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, the Henderson County Council on Aging, or donor's choice.

A memorial service and celebration of Blanche's life will be announced at a later date.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.