Sept. 20, 1923 ~ Oct. 24, 2015
Wanda Brooks was born on September 20, 1923 in Sparks, Nevada to her parents, Forest F. Bitler and Myrtle Margaret Kelley. After the age of 5, she and her brother, Gorden Bitler, were raised by their father during some very difficult times. Those experiences left her with an ever-present sense of appreciation for all things, a resilient spirit anchored by a sense of humor and serene acceptance of life’s challenges, an everlasting bond and love of family and gratitude for her many friends.
Wanda spent many of her childhood and adult years in Lake Tahoe, a place she loved. During that time she raised her son, Carl, and remained a constant loving and helpful presence for her brother Gorden and his family. She owned
and operated Best’s Lodge, a rooming house in Kings Beach.
Her move to Carson City, Nevada provided her the opportunity to fashion a new life in unfamiliar surroundings, and to grow to enjoy that as well. Her last two years were very happily spent in Jackson, California. There, she delighted in the company of friends and family, the beauty of her surroundings and her ability to live as independently as she preferred.
Wanda died at her home in Jackson, California on October 24, 2015.
She is predeceased by her parents, brothers Forest F. Bitler Jr., Gorden Bitler and John Patrick O’Donnell, sister Florence Bitler, husband Carl A. Brooks and son, Carl F. Brooks.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Darlene Bitler and three generations of nieces and nephews, all of whom have enjoyed their time with her and have benefitted greatly from her example of a life lived with love, gratitude and optimism.
A gathering to celebrate the life of Wanda Brooks will be held on October 1, 2016 in Chile Gulch, CA.