Consolacion (Chona) Brooks

Consolacion (Chona) Brooks, beloved mother and wife, was called to her eternal resting place on January 30, 2022, due to viral pneumonia and underlying conditions. She entered this world in 1936 in Davao City, Philippines, born to Ismael and Lucidia Torres. She is survived by her son Eulalio “Gene” Brooks and wife Edie, and friends and family in Albuquerque, San Diego, Kansas, and the Philippines. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Brooks, and her close friend Leonard Rumford.

Chona survived the Japanese occupation of the Philippines by hiding on a farm with her grandmother and coming out only at night, finally reuniting with her parents many months later. She later married an American sailor, Charles “Chuck” Brooks and lived all over the US as a Navy wife, finally settling down in San Diego, California and later moved to her husbands hometown. Council Grove, Kansas. She worked at many jobs over the years such as retail clerk, waitress, factory worker and of course homemaker and mom. While in Council Grove, she worked at Rex Roto and the Hays House.

Chona enjoyed socializing in her many pretty outfits with hats and shoes to match, and everyone loved to see her cheerful face and hear her happy laughter. She adored the family pets, and showered them with treats and attention. She was a master at Chinese-style Mah-jongg, and quickly picked up other games, winning most of the time.

She was very proud of her son, and moved to Albuquerque to be with him after her husband’s passing. Chona enjoyed spending her final years at Las Colinas/Sandia Vista, where she made many friends and especially enjoyed the social hour with popcorn. Many thanks to all who helped take care of Chona – Beehive Homes, Presbyterian Hospital, Ambercare Hospice, and Sandia Vista/Simplicity Home Care. Special thanks to Denise Fitzgerald and Selma Prather for all their visits.

A celebration of her life will be held later this spring in Albuquerque. A family gathering in Kansas is also planned.