Harriet L. Brooks, 1931-2026
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Harriet Lenore Brooks, 94, died at home on March 28, 2026. She was born on Oct. 5, 1931, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the only child of Wilburt and Rose Nidich Schumacher. Harriet graduated from Midwood High School. She attended Brooklyn College, studying engineering, until she met her future husband, Thomas Reed Brooks, on the way to a political convention. They moved to Massachusetts, where Thomas attended Harvard University. After he graduated, they moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., where they raised their three children, Christopher Norman Brooks, of Lancaster, Pa.; William Frederick Brooks, of White River Junction, Vt.; and Karin Louise Pugh, of Ocala, Fla. The family lived in their beautiful brownstone in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, spending summers and holidays at their home in Andover, Vt. Harriet eventually returned to school and graduated with honors from New York University, where she majored in history. Harriet worked in various political nonprofit organizations, ending her working career as an office manager at an investment firm in Manhattan.
Harriet was a person of strong opinions and fierce loyalties. She loved reading, political discussions, theater, gardening, food, fine wines, and traveling. At the top of Harriet’s joys in life was her family.
Harriet is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Thomas R. Brooks; her great-grandson Oscar Reed Pugh; and her great-granddaughter Evelyn Sarah Pugh. She is survived by her children, Christopher (Lynn), William, and Karin (David); her seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m., at Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow, Vt., with a light lunch following at 41 Lawrence Hill Road, Weston, Vt. All are welcome to join us to remember Harriet.
In honor of Harriet and in lieu of flowers or donations, please consider planting a tree or a garden.