April 15, 1927 – August 8, 2025
Brockport, NY – Jean Martin Brooks, age 98 passed away on August 8, 2025 after battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Jean Marie Wahl was born in Rochester, NY, the daughter of Herbert P. and Mildred M. (Staub) Wahl. In recent years she would recall her growing up on West Avenue in Rochester. Jean graduated from Nazareth Academy and attended the Eastman School of Music. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in Music.
Jean was an accomplished musician known for her beautiful singing voice and her amazing organ and piano playing. Jean retired after playing the organ for church services, weddings, and funerals for over 65 years at the Nativity of the BVM Church and many other churches when asked to. In retirement she continued to entertain her friends and family playing the piano.
Jean loved to travel the world over. Australia, Hawaii, Germany, Africa, Ireland and much of the United States to name some of her favorite places. She was always ready for an adventure as was evidenced when she returned from a trip to Costa Rica regaling us with stories of her ride on a Zip Line through the jungle, and many more.
She somehow balanced motherhood with several jobs as her kids were growing up. The most memorable was when she and her then husband, Jerome took over the local Tastee Freez on Route 31 in 1964. She continued to run it with her nine children after the passing of Jerome in 1971. She sold the business in 1978. Jean taught piano and music at Nativity School in addition to private lessons in the home. She worked for the Dynacolor factory in town on the overnight shift for a period of time. And, she became involved in local politics. She first served on the Planning Board for the Village of Brockport. She ran for Sweden Town Justice before being elected to the Town Board. After many years on the Board she was elected Town Supervisor where she oversaw many major projects with the Board including the construction and introduction of the Sweden Senior Center on State Street for local seniors.
ean is survived by all of her nine children and their spouses: Michael (Diane) Martin, Maureen Martin, Jerome (Jacqueline) Martin, Patrick (Thomas Sinacola) Martin, Christopher Martin, Mary (William) Davis, Anne (David) Sabo, Colin (Gail) Martin and Joseph (Cathy) Martin in addition to her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Calling hours were held at Fowler Funeral Home, 340 West Avenue, Brockport on Friday, August 15, 2025. Jean’s Mass of Catholic Burial was held at Nativity of the BVM Church on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery on Canal Road in Brockport where she was laid to rest next to her husband, Jerome, Sr.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made online to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester 200 Meridian Centre Blvd Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Evergreen Place Assisted Living and at Cottage Grove Memory Care for their assistance during our Mother’s final years.
