Brooke Shannon

Brooke Shannon, of Chaplin, CT died Thursday, July 28th , 2011 at her home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born in Hartford, CT, April 16, to Edward & Marion (Strattman) Schultheiss, Brooke graduated from Coventry High School and attended McConnell Airline School in Minneapolis, MN. Brooke's lived a rich and diverse life. Her work included owning several small businesses, singing with a band, teaching at a travel school, leading tours around the world, writing a book, working for the adoption of alternate medical options by traditional physicians, and leading the Windham Textile and History Museum. Brooke left Connecticut in the late 1970s and moved to Hawaii. Several years later she moved to Sausalito, California where she and her husband Ted Bravos lived on a floating boat they had designed and built. When she returned to Connecticut in 1999 she settled in Chaplin. Brooke lived her adult life as a vegetarian and tried to convince others of the merits of her choice. She was an extraordinary chef and wine connoisseur who enjoyed serving fantastic multi- course meals to her friends and family. Brooke was responsible for the concept and execution of the Victorian Teas which have become a mainstay of the Textile Museum's fund raising efforts, among the many other innovative programs she developed as Executive Director. Throughout her life, Brooke was a true and loyal friend to so many people. She was the first to offer assistance to family and friends. For instance, she spent months living in a FEMA trailer in New Orleans after Katrina to help her friends there rebuild and reopen their restaurant. Brooke traveled around the world several times, but she really was happiest in her home (wherever that might be) tending her flower gardens and decorating in her own eclectic style. A perfectionist, her energy and accomplishments were limitless. Brooke is survived by her cherished sister and best friend Lynn Duval and husband Joe, of Mansfield Center; her niece, Cindy Paggioli, and husband Scott and their two children Derek and Chantal; her nephew, Andre Duval, his wife Heather and their sons Devin and Cameron; her cousin Janis Andrews, who grew up as a sister to both Brooke and Lynn, and her family including husband Ronald and their children Kristin Pontarelli, husband John and son Roman; Karen Capone, husband Garrett and their children Kyra and Caitlyn; Ronnie Andrews, wife Shilpa and Jennifer Andrews. Brooke treated Janis' children as though they were her own. Brooke is also survived by her former husbands Scott Hovey and Ted Bravos, with whom she maintained a cordial relationship throughout her life. Brooke also leaves all the dear friends she has known across the country and here in town, and especially her beloved loyal feline companion, Marshmellow. There are no calling hours. A celebration of Brooke's life will be held on Monday, August 15, 2011 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at The Windham Textile & History Museum, 411 Main Street, Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Windham Textile & History Museum. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic assisted with arrangements. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.