Denise M Brooks

Denise Marie Brooks, 64, of Fort Gratiot, died Sunday, April 27, 2025.

She was born November 3, 1960 in Port Huron to the late Clayton P. and Mary J. Cameron. She married David A. Brooks on September 17, 1983.

Denise was a lifelong resident of the Port Huron area, graduating from Port Huron High School in 1978. She attended SC4, earned a B.A. in communications from Michigan State University and later received her master’s degree in management and supervision from Central Michigan University. Denise was employed with the American Cancer Society before taking a job with Port Huron Hospital where she worked for over 18 years and served as President of the Port Huron Hospital Foundation. In 2009, she started work with the YMCA of the Blue Water Area, where she became President and Chief Executive Officer, retiring after more than 11 years in December 2020.

Denise was involved in her community in many capacities over the years. She served on the board of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, sat on the St. Clair County Library Board, completed a six-year term on the board of St. Clair County Community College and was elected in 2016 to the Port Huron Area School District Board of Education, where she served for six years. Denise was a past commander of the Port Huron Power Squadron and past commander of United States Power Squadron District 9. She and her husband, David, were longtime members of the Friends of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and were instrumental in bringing Sandfest to Port Huron. They were also both proud MSU Alumni and Spartan fans; and long-time boaters, that enjoyed traveling the Great Lakes and spending time at the family cottage in Canada. Later in life, Denise signed up to take classes to become a Master Gardener through the St. Clair County Cooperative Extension. In honor of her love of gardening, the YMCA recently dedicated the Denise M. Brooks Mindfulness Garden at their facility.

She is survived by her husband of almost 42 years, David; brothers, Peter Cameron and Eric (Kathy) Cameron; mother-in-law, Mary Brooks; brothers-in-law, Karin Bott, Edward (Dr. Patricia) Brooks and Warren (Jann) Brooks; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Bott.

Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, May 5, 2025 at the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Doug Studaker will officiate. Please note, the service will take place on the grass, so please wear appropriate shoes.

The family prefers that memorial contributions be made to the Blue Water Area YMCA or the Fort Gratiot Light Station fund of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com