Elizabeth Brooks Dennett

Elizabeth Brooks Dennett, 81, on May 26, 2020 at her home in Needham, MA of cancer. The oldest child of William F. Brooks and Katherine (Ross) Brooks, Liz was born in Cambridge, MA in 1939. With a passion for lifelong learning and a deep love of people, Liz graduated from St. Agnes Episcopal School in  Alexandria, VA, where her mother was a math teacher. She matriculated at Smith College, graduating in 1960. After teaching chemistry in NYC, Liz settled with her first husband, Thomas Bernheim, in New Jersey to raise their three children, Katy, Robert, and Anne. Following a move to Massachusetts, Liz began teaching again (science and sex education) at The Park School in Brookline. She was later a realtor in Needham and volunteered as a home healthcare aide. In 1994, she married George Dennett. Active in her church community from her time as a teen, Liz served the Christ Church Needham congregation as a warden, member of the altar guild, and the vestry.

A fiercely independent woman, Liz was passionate about her family and the importance of education to make a difference in the lives of others. Predeceased by her parents, her second husband, and her younger brother, Robert T. Brooks (2019), she is survived by her brother, William F. Brooks Jr., her children, Katherine Bernheim, Robert Bernheim (spouse Patricia), Anne Campbell (spouse Ben), eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. 

A memorial service will be held on Sat Oct 16, 2021 at 11 AM in Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave., Needham

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Ann LaCasce Research Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or the Pastoral Response Team at Christ Church Needham, 1132 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494.

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