Vivian K. (Glassman) Brooks

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Vivian K. (Glassman) Brooks, 95, a lifelong resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2015. She was preceded in death by her loving companion of 49 years, Howard Stone, of Cambridge, MA.

Vivian was born on December 4, 1919 to the late Jacob & Sarah (Samson) Glassman of Cambridge, MA. She was a graduate of Cambridge Latin High School and obtained her secretarial degree from Cambridge College. Vivian was an exceptional role model for her children and members of the community. She worked throughout her career in various professional capacities, first as executive secretary for the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and later, for the artist and inventor Paul Matisse. Vivian herself was an accomplished oil painter who specialized in landscapes. She was a licensed real estate broker and a notary public.

At the time of her retirement 30 years ago, Vivian was the Director of Volunteers at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA. She enjoyed traveling, but her most cherished time was spent in the company of her children, grandchildren and extended family. Vivian will be remembered as the quintessential refined lady; she was gracious, classically dressed, and always had a kind word for others. She brought a positive outlook to every situation. She had a wonderful sense of humor and remarkable story-telling abilities. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure to have known her.

She was the beloved mother of Robert D. Brooks & wife, Margaret of Warwick, RI; and of the late Joanne W. (Brooks) Thomas, of Clinton, MA. She was a loving grandmother to Courtney Neill & husband, Timothy of Hamilton, MA; Brad Brooks of Bangor, Maine; Eric Brooks of Beverly, MA; David Thomas & wife, Brodie of Natick, MA; and Suzanne Fernsten & husband, Jason of Fitchburg, MA; and to her step-grandchildren, Melissa & Benjamin Landman of Warwick, RI. She was devoted to her great-grandchildren, Asher Neill, Oliver & Aubrey Thomas, and Lucas & Sarah Fernsten, In addition, she is survived by her son-in-law Richard Thomas of Clinton, MA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A service to celebrate Vivian’s life and accomplishments was held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home in Clinton, MA, followed by burial in the Reservoir Pines Cemetery, Clinton, MA next to her beloved daughter Joanne. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Vivian Brooks to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL, 33607. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com