CUSHING — Kay F. Brooks, 85, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family, Friday, March 29, 2024 at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born in Waldoboro, September 18, 1938, she was the daughter of Donald and Shirley Prior Crute. Educated in Waldoboro, Kay left school early, but later returned after her children were born and earned her GED.

Kay was a wonderful, devoted wife who loved her husband of 67 years, Lawrence Brooks, dearly. She was a faithful mother who loved and defended her children and a proud grandmother who enjoyed hearing their laughter, and seeing their photos. Swinging in her swing at the lake house was one of her favorite pastimes. A fiercely independent woman, she could be rather ‘spicy’. She was very honest, and you could always count on her to tell you the truth.

The beauty of Kay was her contentment with the simplicity of life. She was happiest being with her husband, working side by side, going for rides, or even just going through the drive-through later in life, a small relief from the task of preparing a hot meal for her family each day for many years. She helped build the home she lived in and kept up with the lawn mowing, painting and cleaning.

Her hard work paid off, and in the end she leaves a legacy of simplicity and love that will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Predeceased by a daughter, Teresa Tolman Brooks, and a young sister, Roxanne Crute; Kay is survived by her beloved husband, Lawrence Brooks of Cushing; her daughters, Kimberly Shirley Brooks of Cushing, Cheryl Ryan and her husband Terry of Warren; her grandchildren and their families, Jenna Quinlan and her husband Jonathan, Lawrence Tolman and his wife Tenille, Julia Qiao and her husband Neal, Mark Tolman and his wife Katherine, Danielle Yovino and her husband Seth, Rachel Frye, Travis Frye, Zachary Ryan and his fiancée Nicole Angelico, Oliva Ryan, Maggie Ryan and Kate Ryan; a brother, Karl Crute and his wife Laraine of Cushing; as well as several nieces and nephews and a large loving extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland where a celebration of life will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 11 a.m..

Interment at Leonard Cemetery, Warren, will be announced at a later date.

To share a memory or condolence with the Brooks family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.