Obituary of Connie Brooks

September 2, 1929 – Edmonton, Alberta

October 3, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Connie Brooks, beloved wife of Stanley Trestaine, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the age of 95 years.

Born in Edmonton, AB, as one of eight children, Connie and her family relocated to Calgary during the Great Depression. She spent her formative years in Calgary, where she worked for many years as a secretary at Metals. Her boss often commented on her remarkable ability to manage her workload with her vibrant social life in the office.

Connie met Stan in her early twenties on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. The moment she opened the door to Stan, she thought him to be a hunk, and they were married several years later. In 1958, Stan built their house in Collingwood, where they raised their family and created a warm and loving home.

An avid baker and fantastic cook, Connie was renowned for her coffee cake, which she took to every appointment she or Stan had. She devoted countless hours to sewing, knitting, and caring for her family. Connie and Stan loved their summers camping at Christina Lake, BC, where they made many cherished memories. They enjoyed vacationing with Stan’s brothers Ray and Bob and their families as well as Stan’s sister Gwen Morris and her family. In later years, they enjoyed travelling with friends and family to Hawaii, Australia, and throughout Europe.

Connie loved walking along the Bow River pathways and attending the Calgary Stampede with her lifelong friend, Isabelle Cool. Connie adored the Stampede, and she and Belle spent many long hours at the grounds. Ten days of Stampede was just not enough for those two! They loved their adventures and usually found themselves at the casino after a long day of exploration. Connie also had a passion for bowling and was known for her engaging conversation and love of shopping.     

Christmas was a time of joy for Connie. She spent countless hours decorating the tree (or redecorating), and only she could hang the tinsel. She enjoyed hours of meal preparation, and the freezer would be full to the brim with cookies and squares. Many beautiful memories were created by spending Christmas dinner with the Brooks’ (Ray and Libby) and the Forsyth’s (Maxine and Tom) and their families.

Connie was predeceased by her husband, Stan, the love of her life, in 2016, as well as her son, Jeffrey Owen. Connie is survived by her daughters: Karen Riley (Tim), Jodi Tort (Brent), Lisa Christie-Brooks (Jocelynn Vryenhoek), and Leanne Brooks. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Brooks (Taryn), Lorin (Sam), Garrett, Morgan (Kieryn), Brandon (Maggie), Bill (Amanda), Jim, Leesha, and Nadia (Milky), as well as four great-grandchildren: Wesley, Penelope, Elise, and Margot. Connie is also survived by her sisters, Myra Metcalfe and Evelyn Cunningham.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Trinity Lodge for their gentle care during Connie’s stay. Thank you to Lydia for your devotion and compassion and to Asha for being a voice for our mom when she lost hers. We are especially thankful to Dr. Wong and the wonderful staff at Chinook Care Centre for their kindness and support in her final months. A special, heartfelt thank you goes to Emma and Mandie, who went above and beyond in their care for Connie; she adored you both, as do her daughters.

A Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held at the Glenbrook Community Association (3524 - 45th St SW Calgary AB) on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Constance’s family here.

In living memory of Constance Brooks, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.