Michele Lynn Brooks, 76

Michele Brooks was born Oct. 11, 1946, and died peacefully March 26, 2023, surrounded by her family.

In the 76 years between those first and final days, she lived a full and passionate life. She enjoyed many long and wonderful friendships, built a career as a teacher who loved to learn, raised a wonderful daughter and two wonderful step-children, traveled the world, cultivated and delighted in many gardens, and spent her last 33 years with the love of her life, “Billy."

Michele relished a good conversation and never failed to raise her pointer finger with a smile and laugh during a heated debate. She believed strongly in social justice and the equal education of all children, which made her a beloved teacher to so many. She loved Judaism as a religion and the liberal democracy of Israel as a cause.

Michele had a keen eye for color and design, and she delighted even in “mucky taupe,” except when it came to flowers — then color was key. She was elegant and gracious but never failed to show her inner cowgirl. She was clever, funny, occasionally loud and boisterous, but always full of joy.

Michele is survived by her sisters, Joni Levine and Barb Brooks; her husband, Bill Percy; her daughter, Melissa Goeltz (Jason); her step-children Aaron Percy (Cary) and Jennifer Percy (John Santelices); and her grandchildren, Aspen and Ella Goeltz, Cecilia, Charlotte, and Jonah Percy, and Lydia and Will Santelices.

In her last days, surrounded by family and friends, Michele left us just as she lived; with courage, grace and grit. We are all better for having loved her.

May her memory be for us a blessing.

Note: A memorial service for Michele will be held April 28, 1:30 p.m. CDT, at Temple Israel, 2323 Fremont Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405. For those who won’t be able to attend in person, the celebration will be broadcast live on Zoom. The Zoom link is https://tinyurl.com/MicheleBrooks.

Family and friends are invited to sign Michele’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.