With a heavy heart, we report the passing of Dot Brookes, chair of our board of directors, on Saturday afternoon. She passed peacefully at her home and was with her husband, Glenn, and daughter, Sarah.
Dot was an incredible Girl Scout! She and Lois Kuttesch, past board chair, and current board member at large, raised their Girl Scout troops together as leaders. They took their troops on many camping trips and travel adventures. Their Girl Scouts learned to love international travel and would participate in our product programs to save and travel to Europe.
Dot served as service unit treasurer and association chair for Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council. She was on the board of directors for Girl Scouts of Southwestern Pennsylvania prior to the council mergers in 2008. She also served on legacy council Trillium’s Board and Property Committee.
After the merger of the five councils in 2008, Dot joined the board of directors as a member at large for two years, then as treasurer for six years before being elected to the board chair position which she held for the past four years. She was an incredibly active board chair who attended all national meetings and served as National Delegate several times. She was an ex-officio member of all board committees and helped to bring amazing new talent to the board of directors through the Board Development Committee. Dot has always worked to serve the organization and to do what was best for our council.
Dot has been a great friend and fantastic volunteer who will be sorely missed. On behalf of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, we offer our deepest condolences to Dot’s husband Glenn Brookes, their children, Sarah Brookes and Garrett Brookes, and all their family and friends. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and from the friendship of Girl Scouts near and far who Dot served so well. May her soul eternally rest in peace.
Patricia A. Burkart
CEO, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania
GSWPA 