ALTAMONT — Ann Marie Klestikova Brooks, known for her civic mindedness and her excellent sense of humor, died on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013.

“Always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, her Main Street kitchen was often filled with others who just needed to talk,” her family wrote in a tribute.

Born in Čadça, [Czecho] Slovakia, she and her mother immigrated when Mrs. Brooks was 7, arriving at Ellis Island in 1926. Growing up in Erie, Pa. from 1926 to 1938 was difficult, but the times produced hardiness and steadfastness.

In her mid-20s, she met Edgar Brooks, and, as the story goes, she kept him at arm’s length for almost a year before agreeing to marry him. They bought an old Victorian home at 134 Main Street in Altamont and proceeded to live the American Dream.

The couple enjoyed working outdoors in their respective gardens and Mrs. Brooks always had fresh flowers in the house.  All excess produce was given to neighbors.

They loved living in Altamont, and, in a spirit of service, became involved in their community. Mrs. Brooks was a Girl Scout leader, a Welcome Wagon lady, and part of the American Legion auxiliary. She baked cookies and cakes for St. Lucy’s events, and, as a staunch Democrat, worked at the polls and campaigned for her choices.

While her two girls were in elementary school, Mrs. Brooks volunteered and worked at Altamont Elementary School. Once the girls were older, she used her exemplary math and organizational skills as one of the office managers for the New York State Tax and Finance Department for 15 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks retired to Florida, but carried Altamont in their heart and memories, the tribute said. When her husband died, Mrs. Brooks moved to Virginia to be close to her daughter, Kathy, and her growing family.

She is survived by her two daughters, Dr. Suz Brooks and KathyBrooks Dail, four grandchildren and their spouses, and two great-grandsons.

Please join family for a 1 p.m. service at Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont on Friday, Aug. 16, followed by a 2 p.m. interment at Prospect Hill Cemetery on Western Avenue in Guilderland.

Online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com