Barbara E. (O'Brien) Brooks, 71, of Brockton, MA, died April 9, 2026, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI, after weeks spent battling stroke-related complications. She was born October 21,1954, in Boston, the daughter of the late James and Dorothy (Beagan) O'Brien. After the early deaths of her parents, she became the foster daughter of William and Helen Hoye of Middleboro. She graduated from Coyle and Cassidy High School in 1972 and subsequently earned a degree in Psychology from Southern Massachusetts University in 1976. She married Stephen Brooks on September 15, 1984.

Barbara was a beloved wife, loving mother, and cherished sister. Family was important to her, and she enjoyed being present at every birthday party, cookout, or gathering. Her warm presence, faithful optimism, and bright smile will be deeply missed. She had many friends and loved to share a laugh with them. She also enjoyed taking pictures and sharing them with her friends and family.

A devout Catholic, Barbara was a member of St. Edith Stein Parish in Brockton for 25 years as well as a volunteer for over 15 years in the food pantry there with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. After a career in the banking industry, she retired from Santander in 2021. Retirement afforded her the time to focus on things she loved, including making handmade decorations and attending many craft fairs.

Survivors include her husband, Stephen Brooks of Brockton; one son, William Brooks of Weymouth; three brothers: James O'Brien of Dennis, John O'Brien of Norwood, and Daniel O'Brien of Attleboro; four sisters: Mary O'Brien of Dighton, Kathleen O'Brien of Flemington, NJ, Claire Mabbett of Flemington, NJ, and Patricia (Hoye) Bartlett of Lakeville; many cousins and nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her sister Margaret Woodward.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to a memorial Mass for Barbara at the St. Edith Stein Parish on Thursday, May 7 at 1030AM, located 71 E Main St, Brockton, MA 02301.