Edda S. Brooks

Edda S. Brooks, 82, of Fairview Twp., New Cumberland passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Harmony West Shore Mechanicsburg, with her loving family by her side.

She was born and raised in war-torn Stuttgart, Germany during WWII. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and Oma who always put “Family First and Always.”

Edda’s greatest joys were spending time with family and traveling. She was hardworking but fun loving, and enjoyed music, yoga, meditation, tai-chi, and board games. She was a former gymnast in her youth and loved sporting events and swimming in her pool. While not a religious person, she was extremely spiritual. She had a 15-year career as a claims examiner at Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Camp Hill.

As an avid globetrotter, her travels included many trips to Germany to visit family, two pilgrimages to India, and a visit to the Holy Land of Israel. She toured many countries including Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, Mexico, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, and extensive visits to countries in and around Europe. She especially cherished her annual trips to Wellfleet, MA on Cape Cod.

Edda is survived by her husband of more than 60 years, Joe D. Brooks; children, Thomas E. Brooks of Harker Heights, TX, Shelia B. Gavish and husband Sam of Essex, CT, and David K. Brooks and wife Jami of Branford, CT; siblings, Karl Illert and wife Leni, and Gerda Vedder, all of Stuttgart, Germany; brother-in-law Elwin Emery; two grandchildren, Cale and Tate Brooks; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Rosina (Bussjaeger) Illert; and siblings, Ingeborg Emery (Deceased 2/2015) and Irmgard Aberle (Deceased 2/2018).

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude for the loving care that was given to Edda by the staff of Harmony at West Shore and Grane Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions in Edda’s memory be made to Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org).

In light of the restrictions on attendance, services will be held at a future date when all can gather and celebrate Edda’s life together. Please check back at www.parthemore.com and in the Harrisburg Patriot News for this service announcement.