Hilda Brooks

Hilda Jane A. Groves Brooks died peacefully on February 3, 2017 at Talbot Hospice; after 91 years of living, laughing, entertaining, educating and sharing good times. She was the daughter of Martha O. and Charles B. Adams, born March 24, 1925. Residing in Trappe, Maryland, she enjoyed the changes brought to the family business with each season of the year. The rhythm of planting, harvesting, packing, labeling throughout her life as a third generation member of the family firm, Defender Packing Company, provided a background, connecting her to deep roots in a small town, that she always cherished. She was able to contribute time, talent, love and support to her family and friends, especially those at the Trappe United Methodist Church, where she kept her faithful seat at the organ for over 70 years.

Following her father’s example of service to the community, Jane and her children donated the land and buildings on Backtown Road, Trappe, known as the Defender House, to the Trappe Rural Life Museum. Some decades earlier her father had donated land to the town of Trappe for a new Wastewater Lagoon System.

Jane married her high school sweetheart, Ralph L. Groves, when he returned from serving in the Navy during World War II in June 1946. He died in 1980. She married Roy G. Brooks on January 31, 2010 and he died on December 13, 2010.

After graduating from the Trappe High School, her education continued with a Bachelors’ of Science and a Masters’ Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. For many years she was an English teacher at the Cambridge High School. Later as a faculty member at Chesapeake College, she earned a Doctorate of Education from NOVA University, Fort Lauderdale, FL and served as Dean of Humanities at Chesapeake College until her retirement in 1986.

Jane’s children, Cynthia G. Miles and R. Leslie Groves (Marlena) live in Trappe and will greatly miss her. Roy G. Brooks and other close friends will miss her Wednesday night dinner parties. Over the retirement years, she was the happiest with family and friends often by the pool or serving a delicious meal.

Jane’s leadership on the Town of Trappe Bi-Centennial Committee 1976 as chairman included the work to renew the celebration of the Nace’s Day Parade that had been dormant. She gave her time and talents to many organizations, including membership in the Lady Caroline Questers, the Soroptimists, TALBOT ARTS Council, Choral Arts Society, 4-H All Stars, Talbot Republican Women, Alpha Delta Kappa Society, receiving recognition in 2016 as a Golden Sister for 50 years of participation and charter member of the local chapter of the teachers society. In 2006 Jane was named as one of Maryland’s Beautiful People. Talbot’s Women’s Club and various church organizations all had her input.

Burial will be private.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation, please do so to the Trappe United Methodist Church, 29421 Maple Avenue, Trappe, MD 21673 or Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601

Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge, MD

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.newcombcollins.com

Private Interment