Paulette Novak described her mother, Betty Hawley Brookbank, as a woman who loved to help other people.

Brookbank, 94, died Sunday at The Knolls of Oxford.

“She was warm and caring and loved to help out when she could,” Novak said.

Brookbank spent time volunteering at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital, the Modern Homemakers, Chattering Stitchers, Oxford Senior Citizens and the Society of Miami Retirees.

A graduate of College Corner High School, Brookbank continued her education at Earlham College while working in Richmond, Indiana. In 1961, Brookbank began a career at Miami University, retiring as assistant director of continuing education in 1986.

She married her husband, Paul Brookbank, on June 19, 1943. According to her daughter, after the couple retired they travelled to all 50 states. They were married for more than 60 years until Paul’s death in 2004.

She was a longtime member of the First United Presbyterian Church and, according to her daughter, members of her family were founders of the First United Presbyterian Church in College Corner.

In addition to her daughter, Brookbank is survived by her son, Brian Brookbank, six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at noon Oct. 1, followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. at Ogle and Paul R. Young Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, Novak asks for donations to be sent to College Corner Fire Department, Salem Friends Church and Vitas Healthcare.

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