Gwendolyn K. Brooks, 82, of Nutting Road, Sunapee, NH died peacefully on April 10, 2011 at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born in Marlborough, NH on March 26, 1929 the daughter of Ernest and Lillian (Harper) Knowlton and had resided in Claremont, Newport and Sunapee most of her life.

She worked for many years at Encore Shoe and later for Developmental Services of Sullivan County as a caregiver in their group homes. She also did volunteer work for Newport Service Organizations local thrift shop.

Her hobbies and interests included photography, quilting, writing poetry, reading, doll houses, collecting antiques, baseball cards and books.

She loved to go to yard sales and spending time at the ocean, especially York Beach.  But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

The family includes her husband, Albert G. Brooks whom she married on September 4, 1948; two daughters, Bonnie Belden and her husband, Steve of Goshen, NH and Donna Brooks of Milton, NH; two sons, Albert Brooks Jr. and his wife, Linda of Lake Stevens, WA and Randy Brooks and his partner, Sharon Jangel of Claremont, NH; five grandchildren, Mark Belden, Cory Belden, Matthew Belden, Keely Brooks and Christopher Brooks; eight great grandchildren, Dylan, Jasmine, Whitney, Brady, Brooke, Liam, Aiden and Brice; one sister, Alberta Robitille of Tupelo, Miss; two brothers, Brian “Mike” Knowlton of Huffman, TX and Dale Knowlton of Dade City, FL.

She was preceded in death by a brother Ernest Jr.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, April 14^th,  at 11 AM at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont with Rev. Father Peter Boucher, Pastor of St. Patrick Church in Newport officiating.

Visiting hours will be held from 10 to 11 prior to the funeral service.

Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Claremont.

The family suggests donations be made in her memory to the Connecticut Valley Home Care/Hospice, 958 John Stark Highway, Newport, NH 03773.