Saratoga Springs - Mary Margaret Brooks, age 72, died on March 28, 2021, from complications of lung cancer. She was born December 15, 1948, in Saratoga Springs, New York, to William and Jean Lloyd. She was married to Lawrence (Larry) Brooks who preceded her in death in 2014.

A member of St. Peter's Church her entire life, Mary graduated from St. Peter's Academy (now known as Saratoga Central Catholic High School) and served as a Catholic Daughter for decades. As a Catholic Daughter, she was elected to the Board for Court MacLaughlin and served as Secretary. She volunteered in many capacities for St. Peter's, including making food for weekly bingo nights.

Mary worked for the Fingerprint Division of the State of New York for her entire career before retirement. She loved to travel, regionally and nationally. Mary was an avid cruiser, sailing major U.S. rivers and waterways as well as the entire East Coast. After retiring, she most often traveled with her sisters and senior groups from Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa.

An avid knitter and crocheter, Mary was always willing to teach anyone who was interested. She donated homemade prayer shawls to retirement homes, caps for newborns to the hospital, and Christmas stockings to all her (many!) family members. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting with her group from St. Peter's.

Mary loved all animals and had a special place in her heart for rescued dogs, many of which had disabilities. She even adopted one knowing he required surgery. Her dogs ranged in size from a giant dog named Bear that wrapped his leash around a five-foot palm tree and chopped it down to a little pug named Rocky that sat on Mary's lap.

After her husband's diagnosis of ALS, Mary and her son, Richard (Rick), devoted their lives to caring for Larry and supporting ALS. The ALS Association provided all necessary equipment as Larry's mobility decreased, and Mary and Rick were determined to raise funds to ensure other families were similarly supported. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Association.

The oldest of nine children, Mary was devoted to her family. She is survived by her son, Richard John Brooks, and grandson, Nicholas Adriance; her eight siblings: Elizabeth Twiss, Joan Barrett, William Lloyd Jr., Robert (Amber) Lloyd, Peter Lloyd, Therese Gillis, Ellen Lloyd, and Donna (Mario) Romero; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm on Monday, April 5, 2021 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-584-5373.

Members of the CD of A will meet at 6pm, Monday at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs by Reverend Thomas Chevalier, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.