Helen L Luedtka Brooks

Helen L. Brooks was born on January 11, 1917 and died on August 31, 2011 in her Perrysburg home. Mrs. Brooks was a professor emeritus of astronomy and mathematics and taught for 17 years at the University of Toledo, retiring in 1972. She received her bachelors and masters degrees from the university and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2003. After retirement Mrs. Brooks continued participation in the UT astronomy department. The Ritter planetarium and observatory at the university were, to a large degree, created through her efforts. Mrs. Brooks was the first director of the Ritter Planetarium. The Observatory was named in her, and her late husband, Elgin’s, honor. Beginning with a back yard telescope in her youth, Mrs. Brooks had a deep, life-long interest in astrophysics. She and Elgin cruised the world and her off shore navigation skills were always recognized on the ship’s bridge. In 2008 the University of Toledo announced that Mrs. Brooks had established a $1 million trust gift for an endowed professorship of astronomy. Mrs. Brooks was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, the Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, The Toledo Club and the UT Alumni Association. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E.S. Boundary St., Perrysburg, OH. There will be no visitation. Tributes may be directed to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the charity of the donor’s choice. Blessings on all of those who made Helen’s last days so peaceful.