Rita Brooks passed away peacefully on October 14, 2023, after a long and fulfilling life. Mom was born February 20, 1927, to Soila and Michel Carricaburu, the last of six children. She was a lifelong Santa Paula resident.
Mom was very proud of her heritage as the great-great-granddaughter of Joseph Chapman. She loved meeting other relatives and discussing the family history. Her grandmother, Adalina Chapman Alves, was Ventura County's first Gold Star Mother, having lost her son Frank in the first World War.
Our very independent, feisty, oh so fashionable, hardworking, very social and loving Mom got her education in Santa Paula, graduating from Santa Paula High in 1945. She married James Brooks on July 17, 1948, then moved into their first house on Craig Drive, where she established many lifelong friendships. She remained there as the family grew, with the births of Susan, Joyce, Janet, and Jimmy. When she found out Roger was on the way, the two-bedroom house ran out of room. Mom and Dad then had the house built on West Virginia Terrace, where she built more lifelong friendships and remained for the rest of her life. Like her mother, our Granny, she loved her garden. She also loved watching airplanes and South Mountain from her family room and backyard.
Mom loved children. She was very well known and loved by many children while they were growing up in the Craig Drive and West Virginia Terrace neighborhoods, and also when she worked for Dr. Harris and Dr. Ryan at the Buenaventura Medical Clinic. She was a teacher's aide at both Isbell and St. Sebastian Schools, and also taught catechism for St. Sebastian's Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong member.
Rita was preceded in death by her mother and father, Soila and Michel Carricaburu, brothers John, Mike, and Frank Carricaburu, and sisters Catherine Hair and Mary Ann Brooks, and also by her son-in-law John Chisler.
Rita is survived by her children Susan Noble (John), Joyce Brooks, Janet Brooks-Chisler, Jimmy Brooks (Kathy) and Roger Brooks; also by her grandchildren Ryan Maloy (Andrea), Jillian Brooks, Staci Buckenberger (Gary), Jeff Noble, Dylan Chisler (Kiley), Roman Brooks, and Connor Chisler. Great-grandchildren Kaiden Maloy (Kodi) and Blake Buckenberger, and great-great-grandchild Brixton Maloy. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to caregivers Yhara, Ofelia, Fabi, Delphie and Kelly. Also, Mission Hospice and Daisy and Raelene and the entire staff at the Palms at Bonaventure, all who made her final days so comfortable.
A Rosary will be recited in St. Sebastian's Church on Monday, October 23 at 10:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately after at St. Sebastian's Church on Monday, October 23 at 11:00am, with a graveside service at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery following the mass. Arrangements are under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.