Laulie Larsen Brooks' Obituary
Died on 4/15/2013 after a short illness. Born in Miami, FL on 3/26/1927; raised in Jacksonville. During the Depression obtained an 8th grade education before being abandoned at age 15 in Miami by her mother and step-father while on a trip. She then began her road to self-preservation and a career. She lived at the YWCA, working at a dime-store, then a dress shop, supported herself through WWII. At end of war met and married a sailor, Frank Brooks. After war, Frank transferred to the Army. They had two children early on, and Laulie and kids followed Frank to many locations throughout the U.S., and 3 trips to Germany (8 years total). It was Laulie's responsibility to turn their often-changing living residences to homes, usually without assistance and during many military separations. She was sometimes employed during these deployments, but oftentimes not, as it was difficult for military dependants to obtain work because of their transient lives, and frequently not allowed. Any employment that was obtained was usually below minimum wage. Always making the best of things, Laulie became a wonderful cook and homemaker, assuring that her family and home was always clean and comfortable. She instilled great values and work ethics in each of us. We never knew we were doing without, because she made our lives wonderful and full of laughter. She created an environment where all our friends felt very welcome and enjoyed congregating. She made all the holidays memorable even when Dad was absent, which was often. Retiring from the military in 1963, they settled in Tacoma.
Laulie worked clerical at a door company on the Tideflats, and then went to work in the Real Estate Dept. at Puget Sound National Bank. In 1970 Frank had a debilitating stroke, could no longer work, and needed a lot of care and assistance. Laulie continued working and took care of Frank during her off hours. Shortly after Frank died in 1988, she moved in with her daughter, Fran, and her husband, Ben (whom she considered a 2nd son). It was a true partnership. She was insistent on doing "her part" and she truly did. She retired from PSNB as an Assistant Vice President in 1992, and lived with Fran and Ben for 25 years until her death. She was a wonderful resource of love and support to all her loved ones, always making her grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel very special! She was very loved and leaves a big hole in all our hearts. She was little but mighty.
She is survived by her children, Fran Baldauf (Ben) and John Brooks, 7 grandchildren, Lee Baldauf (Monica), Deanna Norton (Steve), and Lori Morrison (Ed), Keith Brooks (Lisa), Sean Brooks (Melinda), Erin Brooks (Scott), and Christopher Brooks, 17 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Forrest, Che', Tyler, Clay, Casey, Annie, James, Katie, Kaleb, Elijah, Aiden, Tennessee, Chad, Gavin, Julia, and Savannah, her half-brother Sam, and good friend Jean Brooks. Proceeded in death by husband Frank, sister Nicky, brothers Bob and Charles, and her best friend, Dee Boone.
Funeral services will be held in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home at noon on Saturday, 4/20/2013. Viewing is on Friday 4/19/2013 from 1-8 p.m.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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