Carolyn R. Brookes

Carolyn R. Brookes, 81, of Cromwell, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Hospice at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. She bravely battled Parkinsons Disease.  She passed with her family by her side.  She was the widow of Arthur J. Brookes Jr.

Born in New Haven to Arthur E. Hinds and Evelyn (Burbeck) Hinds, she grew up in West Haven and graduated from West Haven High with dreams of a career in dancing.  Her career, however, was in manufacturing, starting as a secretary at Stanley Works in New Britain and finishing as a Buyer/Planner at Jacob Vehicle Systems in Bloomfield some 40 years later. Along the way, she proved that her true vocation was caring for people, forming lasting  friendships and deep personal bonds. In 2007, she gave her life to Christ, joined Bethany Covenant Church and volunteered for the rest of her life as a Stephen Minister.

Carolyn had a life-long love of crafting. She embraced and enjoyed Arts’s passion for the NE Patriots and NASCAR racing. In all of her many family gatherings, she strived to make each person feel like she had planned part of it just for them, remembering little things that make guests feel special, even if they were visiting for the first time. More than anything, she loved her family deeply, whether through blood, marriage or adoption. She was amazingly close with her sisters, adored her sons and their spouses, loved on her step kids and their families, and her grand and great-grandchildren were a special delight.  She is predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband Arthur J. Brookes Jr.  She is survived by her sons, Dennis (Chip) Marden of West Hartford and Arthur (Bud) Marden and his wife Kathy of Hampton; step children, Debbie Kerfoot and her husband David of Plainville, Diane Hayes and Michael Soderlund of Somers, and Dennis Brookes of Bristol;  sisters, Melvalyn Hinds of Bloomfield and Elizabeth Petrie and her husband Rick of Florida; grandchildren Brittany Landry and her husband Caleb, Andrew Marden, Ralph Marden, Calvin Marden, Emily Kerfoot and Eric Brookes; three great grandchildren, Chase, Peyton and Mason Landry.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin.  Burial will be private in West Cemetery, Cromwell.  Calling hours are Monday from 5-7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain.

Memorial donations may be made to the Benevolent Care Fund at Covenant Living of Cromwell (https://www.covliving.org/contact-us/donation/).