Charlotte Lightburn Brooks
by Brian Charles Brooks
1943-2024
The Piano > Tributes > Time Line > Communities > Archives: Productions > Music > Writings > A Note From Brian > A Celebration > Contact
Mom died after a brief illness on October 9, 2024, at 7:00PM. She was hospitalized for the month prior. I had the privilege to act as her final companion, messenger, and familiar presence; and along with those that knew her, torchbearer. This is the first time I am looking up these words to describe what I did. I did what I could.
It feels a lot easier using these words, than trying to explain it all in detail, like I have been for the past several months.
We have not yet been able to plan a “Celebration of Life”, as the family is literally scattered in different states. I will update information on this website, when it forms.
On this page, I hope to capture Mom, as she was, through her friendships and communities that she helped build, foster and maintain. Mom was really good about making a plan, making a decision and sticking with it. Whether it was what was for dinner tomorrow, or to move cross country during the height of the Pandemic. I will some day have her writing and music archives, as soon as I get them in order. As well as a look at our collaborations from over the years.
Our collaboration in 1995 resulted in a cease & desist letter from Paul McCartney’s lawyer, John L Eastman.
It would be great to hear from any friends, family, or neighbors, acquaintances, or students whose lives she may have touched. Apologies for any /people/ omissions, I am just starting this. Please Contact me with any comments or requests.
Let us start with the obligatory obituary
A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary Obituary
by Michael, Brian and Andy, and Emily
The Piano
Mom’s baby grand piano was donated to Xavier College Preparatory, where mom taught for a number of years in the 2000s. Several of the staff were Mom’s students and remember her well.
Mom and Dad purchase the piano in December of 1985. They put it on lay away and paid it off over 30 months. My memory isn’t this great, I found the receipt in her files. The Piano was mom’s prize possession. Every house she lived in had to have space for the piano. She hired professional piano movers 6 times for all the moves in 35 years. We hired them one last time when we were blessed to find a forever home for her piano after mom passed. We are so thankful to Xavier for accepting our sacred donation.
Tributes
from Lynn Timmons Edwards:
Along with her wonderful musical talents, Charlotte will be remembered for her strength and determination, her magical laugh, and her sense of humor. I will miss her, as will Arizona.
Lynn Timmons Edwards was a frequent 16 Bars performer and member of The Studio. Lynn and her husband Bob were also friends. The above was published in Cabaret Scenes as A Tribute to Charlotte Lightburn Brooks.
from Joe Bousard:
“Oh, my sadness deepens—-but my love for her lifts me…….to the family, Mack and all…….she will always be part of me and my work…..
Charlotte Brooks—-the softness of looks—-the piano—the music—the work of her creation….her love and her sweetness—-and such completeness……to know her is the gift—-and it gives our spirits a lift—forever and ever and evermore—Char——always a bright star……..
Please share these words with all………thanks——JB”
Joe Bousard is a longtime collaborator and friend of Moms. Joe is also a fellow member of The Studio (The Theatre Artists Studio). Joe was often Mom’s musical director and co-arranger with her performances. Mom also took voice lessons with Joe through workshops he put on. Mom made an effort to improve her vocal delivery in the 2010s. It was at one of these workshops where mom’s life got more exciting when she paired up with Sydney Davis.
from Daniel Prendergast:
“What an extraordinary woman. Musical and verbal and funny and kind and gorgeous to boot. I’m sure if her soul happened to pass right THROUGH Emily’s airplane it was through first class, which is what she always was. She brought pizazz to every single situation (which is no small feat when you work in public education). I just loved her and will miss her lots and lots and lots and lots.”
Daniel Prendergast was a long-time fellow teacher in the arts department of the Peoria School District.
from Jessica Lightburn:
“When I think of you, I think about how you are the life of the party – your love of music and theater, telling animated stories, your beautiful dinner parties, and how everyone wants to be around you. You are magnetic! You are so full of life and an example to all of us on how important it make sure to squeeze every ounce of joy we can as we go about our lives. You have made a big difference in my life and to my family”
Excerpt from message from Mom’s niece Jessica Lightburn. Jessica’s father Robert Charles Lightburn, was Mom’s baby brother. He was 9 years younger than her, he succomed to cancer just a year before. Mom was 17 years older than her sister Cathy Lightburn Bailey. Cathy and her husband Stuart are alive and well in Virginia.
Mom was out of the house and in college when Cathy was born, so they had entirely different upbringing. They became quite close later in life.
from Carrie Whitten:
“She was such an inspiration in my life…the way she harnessed her creativity and artistic energy while at the same time hanging with the SFX crowd who was less so, her entrepreneurial spirit, her love of family and friends. She will be greatly missed by so many.”
Excerpt from message from Mom’s friend Sally Whitten‘s daughter Carrie Whitten [of Travel With Kids fame]. Sally was part of the “Catholic School… (need the name)” These were the interwoven group of Moms who all had (multiple) children who attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary school, (I believe Sally was an alum), as well as the high schools Brophy College Preparatory and Xavier College Preparatory.
Communities
Phoenix Medical Associates > Charlene Franz > Sharon & Tom Riffle > St. Francis Xavier Community > Junior League > Actors Theater Of Phoenix > South Mountain High School Arts Magnet > Gloria Leonard > Mack Lathrop > Peoria School District Music Program > Xavier College Preparatory Music Department > Lunchtime Theatre > The Theatre Artists Studio > Sydney Davis > 16 Bars Productions > Remingtons
Phoenix Medical Associates
Dad joined Phoenix Medical Associates in 1974. It was the reason we moved to Phoenix. Dad and Mom had to decide where he wanted to practice medicine, and raise a family. Phoenix was recommended by a fellow doctor that Dad met in the Army when he was deployed to Viet Nam. (?)
Dad flew out beforehand earlier in the year, and again with Mom, before they made the final decision. The first location was on Thomas Road and 6th Avenue. In 1975 they build an office building at 3600 North 3rd Avenue. The building had 12 rooms for exams, two for each doctor. One to see the current patient, and the other for the nurse to set up the next patient.
I worked as a file clerk over the summers and after school for a few years. I spent most of the money I made at Track In Wax record shop.
After the move, the group stayed with 6 doctors in the group for its existence. The majority of the doctors were Mayo trained doctors. Dr. Bufmire, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Brooks, Dr. Gullen, Dr. Kuhl, Dr. Linkous, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Reedy.
St. Francis Xavier Elementary School
Sharon & Tom Riffle
Sharon is Dad’s younger sister. Sharon’s husband is Thomas Riffle. He is from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, which is 22 miles north of both Mom and Dad’s home town in Connellsville. Dad and Sharon’s roots go back to the area since before Connellsville was founded in 1806.
Sharon is a retired nurse. Tom is a retired air traffic controller. He served in the Air Force, and was stationed in Alaska, before they relocated Arizona to be close to Dad and Mom. Tom was transferred to Luke’s Air Force Base, and they purchased a home in Glendale.
Sharon and Dad’s mother and father Louise, and Kenneth had plans to move out to Phoenix as well, but Kenneth passed away unexpectedly and died in his sleep. Louise left Connellsville and moved out to Phoenix.
Thankfully we now had family in town to gather for and give structure to our holidays. Mom and Sharon remained very close after Mom and Dad’s divorce. Mom and Sharon both loved playing slot machines and smoking cigarettes back in the day.
In the 1990s Sharon and Tom relocated up to Prescott Arizona, which gave Mom and Mack a place to visit to get out of Phoenix. They later moved down to Vail, which is 24 miles southeast of Tucson.
St. Francis Xavier Elementary School
Mom and Dad sent us three boys to St. Francis Xavier Elementary School. Michael completed all 8 grades there. Brian attended 1-6th grades, and Andy did K-4th.
In 1981 we sold our house and moved to Berridge Lane. It was there where Mom met a savior of sanity Nancy Bayless, who had 3 boys also attending St. Francis. We began carpooling. They would alternate Fridays, where we would stop at the Dairy Queen.
Andy and I “jumped ship” in 1984, leaving St. Francis to attend junior high at the public school Madison Meadows. It was bike-able, and they didn’t wear uniforms.
There was a large shift of student who did so at the time. I don’t know how exactly I knew I wanted to switch schools. All my friends were at St. Francis. Madison Meadows offered “electives” was one draw. I did really love Home Ec., Wood Shop, and Yearbook. Mom did not really become involved with the Madison Meadows community.
The Coffee Girls
The moms of St. Francis were a loosely tight-knit interwoven group. One group that still meets weekly for coffee is “the Coffee Girls”, they meet every Monday. Over the years I’ve tagged along with Mom to many of these meetings. They were begun to support Sally Whitten when she was diagnosed with cancer, and the tradition survived after Sally’s passing. She was replaced by her daughter Carrie. Nancy Bayless, Libby Copeland, Shelia Stoeller, Bernie Fallow (seasonal), Maureen Meeks.
Gloria Leonard
Mom & Gloria
Kristin was my high school sweetheart. Gloria was Kristin’s Mom. It was a little weird at first when they became such good friends, but was soon normal The 1990s would have a lot quieter for Mom without Gloria right down the street.
Mom and Gloria were both divorcees. Gloria and Kristin lived alone together, near 12th Street and Missouri, (“Misery” as we pronounced it.)
I dated Kristin for a healthy 4+ years during my formative years. We split when Kristin moved out of state to attend USC. In Beverly Hills 90210 parlance: Kristin was a perfect mix of Brenda and Kelly. I fancied myself a blend of Brandon, Dylan, Steve and David.
Mom and Gloria remained steadfast friends “forever”. They passed away within 4 months of each other.
Gloria was a laugh riot, and always the coolest person in the room. In her later years she has been cared for by her niece Laura whom would drive Gloria to shopping and lunch dates with Mom. Gloria and Mom were in hospice at the same time. I was able to visit Gloria one last time in October of 2024, just after Mom died.
Peoria Unified School District
The Peoria Unified School District contained 8 High Schools
The arts program at the PUSD was district wide, as opposed to each school having its own art and music programs.
Daniel Prendergast was a fellow teacher in the arts department of the Peoria School District. They taught together for a number of years. Mom taught Music. Daniel taught art.
Daniel is also a practicing artist who shows his work regularly. Mom, Mack, Emily and I have been to his exhibits a number of times. Daniel is one of the funniest conversationalists I have ever had the pleasure of talking to.
We ran into Daniel at a Goodwill last year, he saw Emily and I first and made himself known in a funny way. I told him “Mom’s here!” and with that we went about searching for her among the mazes or racks. It was a little like A Hard Days Night, as we ran around the Women’s Section looking for Mom, to no avail. We spotted her in another Section.
I hid. Daniel grabbed a dress off the racks and held it up to himself casually asking Mom, from behind her back, “How does this look on me?”
We all blurted out in laughter when Mom turned around to confront a stranger and slowly recognized Daniel. Watching them crack up together was such a delight. They just went on and on catching up and laughing about getting old. Mom loved Daniel, I knew why. I can’t imagine have a more fun co-worker.
A visit to the gallery. Brian, Emily, Daniel, Mom. Daniel helped direct Mom to get that hand on her hip for the photo (contrapposto), as any good art teacher does. April 2024.Daniel’s Artwork can be seen on his website. He is a member of the Five15Arts collective gallery [Five15Arts @ Chartreuse, 1301 NW Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007], where he shows his work. You can also view his art on Instagram
I recommend anyone reading this to go meet Daniel and talk about Mom.
Lunch Time Theatre
Lunch Time Theater
A profile on Judy Rollings from the Herberger website: Arizona Arts Spotlight: Judy Rollings
Mom put on many different productions at Lunch Time Theater on the KAX Stage ad the Herberger Theater Center. Incidentally, when I was in high school I dated Kristin Leonard who was attending Xavier College Preaparatory. One of Kristin’s best friends was Katie Herberger. Katie was Kax Herberger’s granddaughter. Katie had an iguana named Sylvester. This was before there was a Herberger Theater.
Herberger Theater stages
KAX Theater specs
The Theatre Artists Studio “The Studio”
The Theatre Artists Studio “The Studio”
Mom was a founding member of The Theatre Artist Studio, or “The Studio” as they call it. Founded as a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit organization in 2005.
“We are not a “theatre company.” We are a “STUDIO”, a cooperative of about 150 members, opening our doors to opportunity—enhancing the creative lives of our membership and our community at large.
Frequent names I would often hear from Mom from The Studio: Joe Bousard, Susan Back, Judy Lebeau, Carole MacLeod, Dan Peitzmeyer, Judy Rollings, Brad Allen
We donated mom’s keyboard to The Studio. Michael Brian and Andy purchased if for mom in the 2000s.
I have borrowed the following bios and photos from the about section
Brad Allen
Actor, Director, Writer, Singer, Composer
“Brad has had a long and varied life in the theatre and has worn many hats, including actor, voiceover artist, director, choreographer, playwright, producer, and composer/lyricist. He came to Phoenix in 2012, moving from New York City where he lived for 18 years. In addition to working in Manhattan, he has worked all over the country–with national tours and extended gigs in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Mississippi, and the last 15 years in New York City.” The Studio’s Artist Page
Susan Back
Actor, Singer, Producer
“Susan’s love of acting and directing began in her home state of Michigan, where she appeared in plays such as Our Town, The Music Man and Annie. Susan brought her love of musical theatre with her when she moved to Arizona and has appeared in several productions at Herberger Lunch Time Theater and at The Studio in sudZ, the Musical and Ladies of Tin Pan Alley. She directed Crazy Love in 2013 and several New Summer Shorts. Susan is also a therapist in private practice.” The Studio’s Artist Page
Joe Bousard
Actor, Director, Musician, Singer, Teacher
Joe Bousard is a longtime collaborator and friend of Moms. Joe is also a fellow member of The Studio. Joe was often Mom’s musical director and co-arranger with her performances. Mom also took voice lessons with Joe through workshops he put on. Mom made an effort to improve her vocal delivery in the 2010s. It was at one of these workshops where mom’s life got exponentially more exciting when she met a fellow performer, and force of nature Sydney Davis.
“Joe has worked professionally in music and theatre for over 40 years. Since 1962 he has been a teacher and coach of voice, acting and Musical Theatre. He received his BA degree in Speech Arts and Theatre from San Diego State College. In New York City he continued his work in piano and voice while directing choral groups and producing his own musical theatre productions. Joe has won awards for Children’s Television and is a grant recipient and member of ASCAP and Actor’s Equity.” – The Studio’s Artist Page
Charlotte Brooks
Performer, Playwright, Songwriter
“As a playwright, songwriter, teacher, performer, musical director for the past forty years, Charlotte has written dozens of plays, songs, cabarets, skits and parodies for diverse audiences. She has served as musical director for productions at Actors Theatre of Phoenix, ASU Drama Department, Scottsdale Community College, Herberger Lunch Time Theater, Xavier College Preparatory and Theatre Artists Studio. One of Charlotte’s career highlights was her original composition of a song that was later recorded by Glen Campbell for the Arizona Historical Society’s History Makers gala. Creative Non-fiction is her favorite form.
Currently, Charlotte is writing and playing arrangements of BTS music with her teenage grandson. And, Zoom makes it possible to play piano and sing with her four-year-old granddaughter who, surprisingly, seems to have a flair for drama! Charlotte relishes these as the very best and most rewarding times in her life.” – The Studio’s Artist Page
Sydney Davis
Actor, Singer
Sydney Davis was the single constant in all of Mom’s productions over that last 15 years. When they were together I could do nothing – but get out of the way. Their banter was unstoppable. It kept me young just to watch such requited friendship.
Sydney holds the distinction of performing in more 16 Bars productions than Mom, as Sydney performed Mom’s show, after Mom and Mack moved to Detroit.
During Mom’s illness… without Sydney, I would have just been just so utterly useless with dealing with Mom. She told me exactly what I needed to do to be Mom’s advocate.
“Sydney came to Arizona to practice law, but her real love has always been theater. She joined the Theatre Artists Studio several years ago and has been active in many Studio productions. Sydney has also appeared at Desert Stages Theatre, Lunch Time Theater at The Herberger and Paradise Valley Community College. She is a member of 16 Bars Cabaret, a group that performs throughout the Valley.” – The Studio’s Artist Page
Judy Lebeau
Actor, Director, Producer
is proud to be a founding member of The Studio. She has appeared on our stage most recently in Trip to Bountiful, On Golden Pond, The Heiress, Miss Reardon Drinks a Little, The Price, Eleemosynary, The Road to Mecca and The Last Romance . Judy has worked with several local theatres including Actor’s Theatre of Phoenix: A Lesson from Aloes, The Immigrant , Yesterday’s Hero, A Shot in the Dark, Accomplice, Nuts, and A Shayna Maidel; Arizona Jewish Theatre: Twilight of the Golds and Phoenix Theatre: Two for the Seesaw and Beyond Therapy. Her film and television credits include Disney’s Not Quite Human and Match Point; NBC’s Unsolved Mysteries and Search for Tomorrow, Mel Brooks’ The Vagrant, Cannon Films’ Ninja III, CBS Rescue 911 and BBC’s The Eagle Falls. She has been fortunate to be cast in dozens of national and local commercials including Tide, Ford, GoDaddy, Discount Tires, Delta Airlines, and Gatorade. Judy has the greatest respect and appreciation for all that Carol Macleod has created… The Studio. The Studio’s Artist Page
Carole MacLeod
Director, Producer, Actor, Teacher
“Carol is a founder and President of the Theatre Artists Studio Board and has been a theatre professional for over 50 years. She began her career in New York as a stage and television actress but then extended her love of theatre into the areas of producing, directing and teaching as well. Carol was one of the founders of the Actors Theatre of Phoenix and served as its first Artistic and Managing Director. She also served as the Director of the Arizona Theatre Company’s Encompass (Outreach) Program and was an original member of the Phoenix Arts Commission. Teaching has always been an important part of Carol’s career. She taught at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and in Phoenix for the Phoenix Center for the Performing Arts, The Arizona Theatre Company, The Actors Theatre and The Herberger Theater Center’s “Stages” Program. Prior to her return to Phoenix in 2000, she was a member of the faculty at the University of Notre Dame for seven years both in the Department of Theatre and the Department of English. Locally, she was the Fine Arts Coordinator at Xavier College Preparatory for six years, developing staff and curriculum for their Fine Arts Program. At present she is teaching and producing at The Studio.” The Studio’s Artist Page
Dan Peitzmeyer
Producer, Actor
Dan developed an interest in theatre in his native Cleveland, where he attended productions at Cleveland Playhouse, Cain Park and Karamu and the experimental black boxes that permeated the local universities. After moving to Arizona he studied acting at Phoenix Theatre (then PLT) and later in the STAGES program at the Herberger Theater Center. His favorite roles include ‘Ruben’ in Aaron Sorkins’s Hidden in This Picture by Untapped Theatre and ‘Monty’ in James Garcia’s Chuy by Colores Actors-Writers Workshop. Dan serves on The Studio Board with a primary focus on audience development. He is represented by the Leighton Agency.” – The Studio’s Artist Page
Tony Robbins
Musical Director, Producer, Musician
The Studio’s Artist Page
Mary Robinson
Director, Producer, Actor, Stage Manager
“Mary is an Arizona native who has been involved in theatre for nearly 35 years; high school, college, community theatre, lots of backstage mom hours and is now a proud artistic and board member of the Theatre Artists Studio. Through the years Mary has costumed, lighted, directed, and stage managed many shows. Mary has stage managed many of the shows at the Studio and has directed plays for the New Summer Shorts Festivals and Studio productions for The Herberger Lunch Time Theater. Mary holds both a BA in Public Programs and a BA in Education from Arizona State University. She continued her education with a M.ED from Chapman University and taught school for 15 years. Mary is currently employed as the Arts Education & Outreach Associate at the Herberger Theater Center. She is married to a talented musician and has two wonderful kids.”
The Studio’s Artist Page
Judy Rollings
Director, Actor, Producer
Judy’s history with Mom runs deep with their connection between ATOP, Lunch Time Theatre, and The Studio. The Studio’s Artist Page
For more on Judy see this write up her on Phoenix Theater History website.
Judy’s son is Matt Rollings, who is very successful musician in his own right.
“Matt Rollings is a Grammy Award-winning American composer, keyboard player and record producer.
Known mainly for playing in Lyle Lovett’s Large Band, Rollings has worked with many artists, not all country. Rollings won the ‘Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album’ Grammy Award in 2016 for producing the Willie Nelson studio album Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin. Other artists he has worked with include Billy Joel, Peter Wolf, Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry Carlton, Johnny Cash, Kathy Mattea, Mark Knopfler, Dolly Parton, Queensrÿche, Reba McEntire, Suzy Bogguss, Mark Schultz, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Martin Taylor, Richie Sambora, Blues Traveler, and Johnny Hallyday.” – Wikipedia Official Matt Rollings Website link.
Scott Hyder
“Scott is a member of Theatre Artists Studio and has appeared in several Studio productions, including Over The River and Through The Woods, Light Up The Sky, Life X 3, The Ladies of Tin Pan Alley, and the New Summer Shorts.
In addition to his Studio performances, Scott has appeared in Valley productions of The Sound of Music, Music Man, Man of La Mancha, Lend Me A Tenor, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and God of Carnage.
He received ariZoni Award nominations for playing the lead roles in The Producers and Boeing, Boeing. He has also performed with other Studio members in several music revues at the Herberger’s Lunch Time Theater.”
https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/scott-hyder/
16 Bars Productions
16 Bars was Mom’s production company. The name refers to the sixteen bars of music that a singer prepares for during an audition. Mom created this small business when she began creating shows for Lunch Time Theatre at the Herberger Theater Kax stage. Mom wrote multiple original productions and used a rotating cast of characters.
Sydney Davis was the most constant in Mom’s productions over that last 15 years. She claims the fame of being not only in every single 16 Bars production, but in performing in one that mom wasn’t even in (when mom was in Detroit). These two women could (and did nothing but) banter back and forth. It was unstoppable. Their love for banter only matched with Charlene. It kept me young to see such requited friendship play out every time I saw them together. Without Sydney I would have just been a wreck and a horrible adovcate. She was there, and told me exactly what I needed to do to help be Mom’s advocate.
Lynn Timmons Edwards was a frequent 16 Bars performer and member of The Studio. Lynn and her husband Bob were also friends. She is also a writer for Cabaret Scenes, and got Mom to begin writing reviews. Mom took it very seriously. Mom only had enough time left to write one review.
The above was published in Cabaret Scenes as A Tribute to Charlotte Lightburn Brooks.
Remingtons
Mom and Mack found a tight-knit community centered around Remington’s Restaurant and Lounge. It was born out of the weekly piano bar at the Mexican restaurant El Charro which had a weekly piano bar, but then stopped. The crowd moved to Remington’s. They were introduced into this community through the Meeks.
Remington’s Lounge contained a large seating area, an outdoor seating area, a bar and a piano bar, with seating alongside the back of the piano. On the piano was Rags Allen on Monday evenings. Mom would always be invited to do sing a couple songs, accompanied by Rags. They would have a short talk about what number and in what key.
Every time I was on Phoenix on a Monday evening, I would tag along with Mom and Mack. I went several enough times to meet the regulars. And then we would go out to dinner.
Friends from this community: Ron & Maureen, Rita & Frank (Scottsdale), Pat & George (1/2 time in Chicago), Larry, the long-time commercial realtor who had been doing it so long he had sold the same dairy queen to several different owners. And of course, the center attraction: Rags & his wife. I bought a couple CDs of Rag’s music over the years. The waitress and bartender.
I always ordered what Mom was drinking – Johnny Walker Red on the rocks.
Mack would have a Chardonnay (2).
Mom and Mack were regulars there every Monday evening. They stopped when they left to move to Detroit to be near Avery, and Michael and Cynthia. They returned after they moved back, but Remington’s shut down the Lounge to repurpose the space.
Mom would later suggest Rags as an act to Italian Daughter’s Restaurant
A History Of Mom’s Friends & Communities in Phoenix
1970s
1973 Mom’s first friend in Phoenix was Charlene Franz. Charlene’s husband Jay had just been transferred to Phoenix for work and had to take a physical and was sent to Phoenix Medical Associates where he was assigned to their newest partner, Dr. Richard K. Brooks. They got to talking about how they were both new in town and that their wives didn’t know anyone. They passed along their phone numbers. Both Mom and Charlene had two sons roughly the same ages: Jason and Michael age 4, Wyatt and Brian age 2. Mom drove us to Scottsdale to visit their home. A friendship was cemented.
1979 (?) Brook family vacation in San Diego with The Shorb family and the Bohnert family. Dr. Shorb was a optomotrist, and my eye doctor. As I have a slight amblyopia (lazy eye), I required wearing an eye patch as a kid, to help strengthen my weaker eye. Such a frustrating experience. I believe we spent two summers vacationing together.
1979 (?) First was through the Junior League of Phoenix. Mom was brought in through her long time friend Charlene. Charlene was the Treasurer and pulled in Mom as the Secretary (I believe I got those right?). She also acted as an (editor?) of the Junior League Magazine (The Pacemaker?), as well as helped with a caberet or two (?). The Junior League Rummage Sale was an annual event that was maybe the coolest thin g I had ever seen. [Equivalent is White Elephant Sale for the Oakland Museum.] During this time the Junior League was helping restore the Rosson House.
1977 (?) The Meeks lived just down the street. The Meeks at that time consisted of Maureen & Ron, Deanne (Dee-Dee), Eric, and Kevin. Eric was the same age of Michael, and Kevin was one year older than me. One day the doorbell rang and Michael and I answered it. It was Eric and Kevin, they introduced themselves and came inside. Mom came in to discover 2 strange boys in the house. This began the decade of The Meeks and The Brooks as family friends. The Meeks kids all went to St. Francis Xavier Elementary, and then to Brophy College Preparatory/ Xavier College Preparatory.
1978 The Meeks moved a little farther down Central Avenue to Orangewood Avenue, which was no longer walkable for us at that age (1.2 miles), so we required shuttling. The new Meek’s house became my defacto home-away-from home, and they were all such a huge influence on our family.
1980s
1980 (?) The Brooks begin vacationing with The Meeks in San Diego, on the beach.
1985 Mom finds community with a group of actors and performers and with them Mom becomes a founding member of Actor’s Theatre Of Phoenix (ATOP). 1987 Mom and Dad separate. Mom begins teaching music at South Mountain High School.
1988 Michael moves to Los Angeles, where he eventually joins Motorcycle Boy as 2nd guitarist.
1989 Dad marries Myrna LaFleur. I believe They were introduce by The Meeks (?). A few years later Dad formally adopts Myrna’s daughter Danielle, giving us an official sister.
1990s
1990 Mom, Andy, and Brian move to Wagon Wheel Drive (in between Glendale & Northern) near 7th Avenue.
1990s Mom begins work as music teacher as a district wide teacher for the Peoria School District.
1992 I get a job at Zia Records. After 3 months, I quit, to give my job to Michael who had just returned from Los Angeles
1993 Mike meets a band with to Jims, and joins them and they became The Voice who become regulars playing Hollywood Alley. A few of their gigs were opened Breakfast With Idiots (with Brian Brooks on drums). It is there he meets Keith Jackson and soon forms Beat Angels with Brian Smith, Kevin Pate, and Norwood.
1993 Andy and Brian leave for college. Andy off to Boston University, Brian to the San Francisco Art Institute.
1996 Brian graduates from Boston University, Mom, Mack, Myrna, and Dad and Andy fly to S.F.
1997 Andy graduates from the San Francisco Art Institute, Mom, Mack, Myrna, and Dad and Brian fly to Boston.
1998 Mom meets Mack Lathrop. Mack has two daughters, Diana, and Lynne. Mack also has two sisters, “Meecha” who died in 2021 (?) and _____? I believe they were introduce by the Copelands (?).
1998 Mom marries Mack. They are wed by Paul Kelley at Paul and Mary Ellen’s Maricopa Manor, A Bed & Breakfast Inn on Pasadena & Central Avenue (Behind the Dairy Queen we used to stop at every Friday on carpools with the Baylesses to St. Francis)
2000s
Mom begins work as music teacher at Xavier College Preparatory high school. (not sure year)
Mom and Mack travel: Spain (with Andy), Russia, Italy (with The Kelleys)
Mom and Mack begin visiting casinos, often driving 5 hours up to Las Vegas with friends (?) and family (Aunt Sharon). Mom loves slots, Mack likes live poker, (or blackjack?)
2010 Talking Stick Casino opens in Arizona
2011 Mary Ellen Kelley dies. Mom was very sad losing her. 15 years later she still would mention how sad she was to lose her.
2010s Mom & Mack begin going to the Scottsdale Plaza Resort’s Remington’s Lounge on Monday evenings to socialize and sing at the piano bar. The community here were from another lounge that closed.
2017 For no-good reason Remington’s closes.
2019 Mom suggests to the owners of The Italian’s Daughter to book Rags Allen for dinning entertainment, they do. We saw Rags there on a few occasions. On our last visit they did a few songs together.
2019 John MacLeod dies
2018 Mom and Mack sell 1st Avenue house and purchase one in Detroit, Michigan, a few streets away from Mike, Cynthia and Avery, so she can be in Avery’s life while he was still a kid. They get to know Cynthia’s mother Faye. Mom and Faye visit the Goodwill as a weekly thing to do. Mom & Mack fail to find another community there besides family.
2020 Mom and Mack sell the house in Detroit and purchase a house in the Moon Valley neighborhood of North Phoenix, during the Pandemic. Their realtor Jeannie, shows them the house using Facetime. They say ‘Do it”.
2021 Ken Lange dies. Ken was Mom’s long time hair dresser. All of us boys knew Ken. He was so handsome, it was almost ridiculous. He looked like a star. He was like better looking and more sophisticated version of Ted Danson. I just now stumbled on how wonderfully rich his background and history was – from his son Kenny Lange’s Facebook Post. A must read for those who knew him. Obituary.
2022 Mom & Mack traveled overseas with Rita & Frank, and Pat & George (?)
2022 Rags Allen dies. Mom was very sad losing him.
2023 Paul Kelley Jr. dies.
2024 October 9, Mom dies
2025 Mom’s friend Gloria Leonard passes away from cancer.
2025 Mom’s buddy and Michael’s stepmother Faye Latimer passes away from cancer.
Archives
Charlotte Brooks Performance Credits & List of 16 Bars Productions
A Note From Brian
Hi, I’m Mom’s middle son, Brian. I’m happy to announce that I’ve met nearly everyone I’ve talked about on this page. If I’ve gotten anything wrong, or if you have any other issues, please contact me. I am new to writing about other people, and hope to be a moral chronicler. I am an artist living in Oakland, California.
This web page will be a Work In Progress. Knowing me, this page will change, morph and update every single time I revisit it. Then it will disappear and reappear. As it’s for Mom… I will do my best to keep a version of it consistently up.
My “girlfriend”, Emily Wick, has just begun her new monthly newsletter called Have You Seen This Phenomenon? Mom knew a lot about Emily’s quest to start a newsletter. We have been talking about starting it for 2+ years. Many of the photos and discoveries of phenomenons Emily explores were discovered during our trips to Arizona to visit Mom and Mack.
Mom knew and understood our frustrations with our art practices, as she knew what it was like to create something and put it out for the world. We spoke in great detail about frustrations and joys of one’s crafts.
I am about to follow Emily’s suit by releasing my own newsletter called Now That Looks Like Fun. More embarrassingly, mine is aiming to be weekly publication. Who knows. As Sydney Davis reminded me recently of the importance of spreading joy. That is my modus operandi for my newsletter.
We are using a newsletter service called Substack which allows you to subscribe to receive them directly to your email inbox, you can alternatively view them online at the links above. It also is social network that offer longer form content than IG or FB is designed for.
A Celebration
Over the years Mom mentioned she would rather have Celebration of Life in her name, with music and drinks and laughter and stories. Mom had a funny relationship with Memorials, she wasn’t comfortable attending them; Mack wasn’t different.
As Mack said to me upon talking about what to plan for Mom. (If you know Mack, you’d know all the numbers were signaled with his hands for emphasis.
“We’ve been invited to 11 memorials.” [pause for effect] “Charlotte’s been to 7” [pause for effect] “I’ve been to 3.” [long pause for effect]
If you would like to offer any ideas, services, facilities, talent, or suggestions; or help in other ways [automobile usage/ housesitting opportunities], please let me know.
We are somewhat homebase-less in Phoenix now.
Contact
If you have anything to add, or take off, or would like to make a correction, add a tributes, photos or additional information, Contact me any way you want. Email: brian@smokeystangle.com Feel free to follow me on Instagram, and/or friend me on Facebook.