Elizabeth “Betty Boop” Brooks, 84, a seven-year resident of New Paltz and formerly a longtime resident of Highland, passed away on October 17, 2026.
Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, on May 26, 1942, she was the daughter of Clifford Zimmerman and Loretta Whalen Zimmerman.
Betty worked at the Highland Bakery for many years before working at Medrex for 20 years. Most recently, she was employed as a cafeteria aide with the Highland Central School District, where she worked for many years until her retirement.
An avid camper, Betty also enjoyed shopping and baking. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who will be truly missed.
On January 10, 1960, at St. Mary’s Church in Poughkeepsie, she married John E. Brooks, who survives at home in New Paltz.
Additional survivors include her daughter, Deborah Snyder and her husband, Lee, of Saugerties; her son, Michael Brooks and his wife, Dianna, of Clintondale; her three grandchildren, Brittney Snyder, Taylor Snyder, and Casey Wong and her husband, James; and her five great-grandchildren, Blaise, Callie, Skylar, Maddox, and Harper. She is also survived by her brother, Clifford “Kippy” Zimmerman and his wife, Stacie, of Hyde Park, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her two sisters, Veronica Nelson and Sandra Dennis.
A memorial gathering and celebration of Betty’s life will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main Street, Highland, NY 12528.