Doris Louise Brooks, 94, of Endicott, died Wednesday evening, December 20, 2006, at Ideal Senior Living Center, Endicott. She was born March 20, 1912 in Towanda, Pa., to Ira F. Steele and Ada Green Steele, moved to Day Hollow Rd. when she was 3 years old and participated in the activities of farm life. She graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1931 and later attended Broome Technical College. She worked for LaStella Real Estate prior to opening her own real estate brokerage. Later she became Broome County Election Commissioner. She served as Vice Chairperson of the Broome County Republican Party, and when Chairman Dick Kuhnan stepped down to become Judge, she was elected Chairperson and served the party during the tumultuous Nixon presidency. She was a founding member of the Old Village of Union Historical Society, a member of the Endicott Garden Club, Zonta International, the Campville Grange. She was a member of Carnation Rebekah Lodge #345, IOOF for 69 years, and was a Past Noble Grand of the lodge, a member of the New York State and Broome County Woman's Republican Clubs, a member of the Central United Methodist Church, and served on the Ideal Hospital Board of Directors until its merger with Wilson Memorial Hospital in the late 1970's. Doris was predeceased by her brothers, Raymond and Paul Steele; and her husband, James A. Brooks in 1975. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard A. and Charlotte Brooks, Wellesley Island, N.Y.; a grandson and his wife, Seth and Brandy Brooks, Endicott; a granddaughter, Kara Brooks Krissel and her husband, Matt, Philadelphia, Pa.; and great-granddaughters, Warner Jane Brooks and Katy Lever; nephews, Gary Steele, his wife, Bonnie, and children, Kingman, Arizona, Robert Steele, his wife, Grace, and family, Safety Harbor, Florida. Doris was an active community leader involved in church, school and civic activities. She did her best to leave a legacy of concern for her community and to instill this sense of concern to those around her. She will be missed.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E. Main St., Endicott. The Rev. Douglas Clark, Pastor of the Central United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Carnation Rebekah Lodge #345 will conduct a memorial service at 5 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Those wishing may make contributions to the Ideal Senior Living Center, Skilled Nursing Unit, 600 High Ave., Endicott, N.Y. 13760