Elizabeth Ann Brook
NORWAY – Elizabeth Ann Brook, a resident of Norway, passed away peacefully in the early hours of June 28, 2021. Her final days were spent at Stephens Memorial Hospital culminating a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Liz was born in Providence, R.I. on Feb. 4, 1952, and grew up in Cranston, R.I. She was predeceased by her parents, Arnold and Anita Panicucci.
She graduated from Clark University in 1974 with a B.A. Degree and earned a Masters of Education Degree in 2004. In 1979 Liz began her career in education at S.A.D. #17, retiring in 2007. Most of those years were spent as a second grade teacher at Oxford Elementary School where she was esteemed by all who interacted with her. While there an informal cadre of Liz and her fellow teachers was formed. ‘The Women of the Wing’ provided professional support to each other during their teaching years, but more importantly, stuck together after retirement and provided Liz with an incredible amount of love and emotional support during her long final struggle.
Liz was an avid equestrienne with an interest in Dressage. She enjoyed taking care of her horses and at times those of others. As a lover of all animals, many dogs and cats came in and out of Liz’ life. Liz was a dedicated gardener and home decorator carefully curating the look of her home. She spent countless hours researching, planning and renovating to get her surroundings looking and functioning the way she wanted.
As a mother and skilled cook Liz seemed to live for hosting meals at family gatherings of birthdays and holidays, particularly Christmas and Thanksgiving, and found great joy in doing so. Each event was an opportunity to try out a new recipe which always turned out especially delicious. Visitors leaving Liz’ dining room table hungry was a rarity and assuredly of their own doing!
Unknown to some a talent that Liz possessed was her prowess with a shotgun. She accompanied Paul on many hunts and shoots where she was most often the star attraction. She made many friends and was always begged to return to every venue she visited.
Liz will be eternally missed by her husband Paul, who she married on Sept. 25, 1977 and with whom she moved to Maine a week later. Paul has commented many times, “We’re still on our honeymoon!” The prides of her life, and a testament to her mothering skills, are her sons Nicholas ‘Nick’ Brook and Anthony Brook and his wife Darcy. Bringing her innumerable hours of joy and immeasurable pride as well is Liz’ grandson Dade Follette. Liz is also survived by sisters Paula McKenna, Pat Edwards, brothers Bob and Peter Panicucci and their children and grandchildren. Liz will also be sorely missed by her sisters-in-law Jacki, Shirley and Dianne Brook and their families. Donna Horne and Greg Forsythe occupied an extra special place in Liz’ heart and were always there for her.
The family would like to thank and recognize the medical skills and compassion shown Liz by everyone at Stephens Memorial Hospital. “Thanks” to Peter Rubin, M.D. and Jeanne Rosato, R.N. of the Oncology Department. Not enough can be said about the friendship Liz developed with Bethany, Sarah, Shelly and everyone else in the Infusion Room. R.N.’s Jess and Emily and everyone else in the Med./Surg. Ward could be considered ‘angels on earth!’
Liz’ family is planning a Celebration of Life sometime in July. More on that will be announced. Arrangements are under the care of Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford. Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com