A Tribute to Susan Brookman
This week, HRA has had to come to terms with the loss of a valued member of our community. Susan Brookman, the Administrative Assistant for HRA’s Lower School, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, March 9th. Mrs. Brookman was loved by so many -students, parents and colleagues. Processing the suddenness of Susan’s passing has given all of us an opportunity to ponder the fragility of life and the light which Susan brought to our lives.
Susan’s dedication to HRA went beyond her daily job. Her commitment to her co-workers and HRA’s families was evident in every task. She possessed a calm sense of purpose that reassured you that whatever you needed her to handle would be handled with care and attention. When parents communicated with Mrs. Brookman about any issue – a sick child, a forgotten lunch, a change in dismissal plans, a lost item, etc. – they could count on Susan to address the problem with compassion. Susan had a fantastic smile and a contagious laugh. She was a positive person who truly believed in kindness and rarely entertained a negative remark about any person. This was Susan’s most unique quality. She was kind to the bone in the most genuine way.
In addition to her love for HRA, Susan was a devoted wife, mother and daughter. I watched her care for her aging mother for years and can testify to her daily visits as she tried to bring comfort on every front. Susan’s example was remarkable and beyond admirable. They say that you can tell the true depth of person in the way they treat the old and the young. Well, Susan passed this test without question.
Susan’s fun side included a passionate love of basketball. She was a devoted Duke fan, never missing a game during any season and often messaging fellow Duke fans through the games. To her credit, she would pull for other ACC teams when Duke wasn’t playing and tried hard to support my UVA Cavaliers knowing that my basketball knowledge was rather limited. Susan was hopeful that I would improve over time. Susan was also a passionate gardener who loved roses especially old fashioned, sweet smelling roses. Finally, Susan loved her dogs – Labrador retrievers – Duke and, the most recent, Luke – a devilish fellow who challenged Susan’s patience but made her laugh during the last year.
If you have to sum up someone’s life, it’s best to look at their deep spirit. Susan’s spirit was good and true and loyal. I join with all of my colleagues at HRA in saying that we will miss her terribly.
In addition to her love for HRA, Susan was a devoted wife, mother and daughter. I watched her care for her aging mother for years and can testify to her daily visits as she tried to bring comfort on every front. Susan’s example was remarkable and beyond admirable. They say that you can tell the true depth of person in the way they treat the old and the young. Well, Susan passed this test without question.
Susan’s fun side included a passionate love of basketball. She was a devoted Duke fan, never missing a game during any season and often messaging fellow Duke fans through the games. To her credit, she would pull for other ACC teams when Duke wasn’t playing and tried hard to support my UVA Cavaliers knowing that my basketball knowledge was rather limited. Susan was hopeful that I would improve over time. Susan was also a passionate gardener who loved roses especially old fashioned, sweet smelling roses. Finally, Susan loved her dogs – Labrador retrievers – Duke and, the most recent, Luke – a devilish fellow who challenged Susan’s patience but made her laugh during the last year.
If you have to sum up someone’s life, it’s best to look at their deep spirit. Susan’s spirit was good and true and loyal. I join with all of my colleagues at HRA in saying that we will miss her terribly.
Hampton Roads Academy
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