Patricia Anne Spong Brooks, a former president of the diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Society, died Oct. 15 in Wiley Christian Retirement Community, Marlton. She was 79.
Funeral services are scheduled for Oct. 24 with visitation taking place from 9 to 10 a.m. in Mount Laurel Home for Funerals, 212 Ark Rd., Mount Laurel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 in Our Lady of Good Counsel, 42 W. Main St., Moorestown. Interment will be private at the request of the family.
Born in 1943 in Cherry Hill, Mrs. Brooks’ early work experience included owning a travel agency. She then became involved in the work of the Church during the time she was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, where she volunteered for the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul conference which provides assistance to people in need. In that time she served in leadership positions in her conference, as well as the Burlington County district level and for the diocesan council.
Mrs. Brooks’ volunteering eventually led to her appointment as president of the diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Society in 2008, a position in which she served for several years. Part of her work as diocesan president included serving as an advisor to parishes that were looking to establish a conference.
Her other work in the Church included serving as the longtime catechetical leader in Holy Name Parish, Delran, which went on to become part of Resurrection Parish, Delran.
Mrs. Brooks was predeceased by her husband, Ronald E. Brooks Sr. She is survived by her children Kathleen M. (Richard) Jordan; Stephen J. (Dina); Ronald E. (Jennifer); Mark E. (Heather), and Robyn E. Vedua; 17 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Parish, 260 High St., Mount Holly, N.J. 08060 or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.