HELEN MARIE BROOKS (nee DAVID), age 97, of Hobart, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, with her loving family by her side.  She was born on January 7, 1927 in Gary, IN to the late John and Sarah David. Helen grew up in Gary and was a graduate of Tolleston High School. Helen retired at the age of 82 from L.S Ayres as a jewelry counter associate.  She was a lifetime member of the Saxon Club and also a contributor to their Volksblatt newspaper. Helen was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years, where she served on the altar guild.   She was 40-year volunteer for the Saint Mary Medical Center Auxiliary and she also enjoyed working the polls for over 20 years.  Helen was affectionately known as the "Bag Lady" because of the reversible purses she created.  Helen was loved by all who knew her.  She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Helen is survived by her 3 children, Carol Ann Byrd, Craig David (Dianna) Brooks, Cary (Jennifer) Brooks; 4 grandchildren, Amanda (Steve) Camarillo, Bradley Byrd, Spencer & Kathlene Brooks; step-grandchildren, Matthew & Jordan Boyd; 5 great grandchildren, Dylan, Hayden & Austin Byrd, and Olivia & Emma Camarillo; brother, Michael (Wanda) David; other loving family and dear friends.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Leslie "Lubby" Brooks and daughter Sharon Brooks Englemann; and siblings, Olga Stewart, Katie Mace, Anne Frank, Minnie Gray, John David, Frieda Kayes and Tommy David.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen's memory to Center for Possibilities (Cerebral Palsy of NWI) or Saint Mary Medical Center Auxiliary.

There will be visitation for Helen on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd.  There will be additional visitation the morning of the funeral, Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 900 Luther Dr., Hobart, with Rev. Nathan Kramer officiating.  Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. Please go online to extend condolences at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.