Bernard M. Brooks, Jr.

Gaye Anne Brooks Felder

Newman School, New Orleans 1927-35

Sophie Newcomb College 1935-38

New Orleans Trinity University 1965-68 BS

San Antonio, TX Trinity University 1968-72 MS

Censor for U.S. Government 1943-45

Stockbroker 1978-98

Reading

Investment research

Knitting

Tending great-grandchildren

Being with friends

Travel

Writing poetry

Reared two grandchildren as a single parent 

Founded San Antonio (TX) Goodwill Auxiliary 

Volunteer teacher for nursery school for blind children (Happy Hour School in San Antonio, TX) 

Ongoing volunteer work for philanthropic organizations throughout her lifetime

I have been honored to call Fanny "friend" for over 30 years. She knows nothing of being the fair-weather variety of friend, but rather is with you for the duration. Although life has not always been kind to her (having lost not only both of her adult children and a grandson), there is no note of bitterness or self-pity in her. Life is what it is; what counts is how we deal with it.

Fanny's faith is strong and she has been active in the Jewish communities of San Antonio (Temple Beth El, where she served as Sisterhood President) and in Fort Worth, TX (also Temple Beth El).

Her sense of humor is legendary and the twinkle in her eyes is a joy to behold. This ability to see humor even in the darkest of times is one of the sources of her incredible strength.

Fanny is creative on many levels. Her needlework, often self-designed, is beautiful. Her knitting interests range from tiny caps and blankets for newborns to fashionable handbags...again designed by the artist. Making clothing for her "greats" (four great granddaughters and two great grandsons) is an ongoing labor of love. However, it is as a poet that I shall always think of Fanny. Her works are sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, sometimes spiritual...but always insightful and deeply personal.

Fanny is the wisest soul I know. I depend upon her good sense and perspective whenever life presents me with an "Oh, no!" moment. Fanny is 90 years young and for all the years I have been blessed by her friendship I have contended that I want to be like her when I grow up. However, the beauty of this friendship is that I don't ever have to grow up; she loves me as I am.