Hatheway Brooks

DODGEVILLE/MADISON- Hatheway "Happy" Brooks, 72, passed away peacefully while asleep at her Madison home on Monday, January 30, 2017. She gave spiritual nourishment to her family, other families, friends, and foster children. Everyone who knew her is heartbroken at this unexpected loss.

Her brother, Stuart Brooks, 64, wrote: "She saved so many souls, was so selfless. She loved horses, animals of all kinds. She was a giver, provider, painter, lover, supporter, wrapped in love. She was always eager to do more, live more and be more and inspired us to do the same."
Hatheway built herself a rich and rewarding life at her cabin and retreat overlooking woods and a stream in rural Dodgeville, where she kept three horses for her own riding enjoyment and that of friends and family. She worked and developed many friendships in Dodgeville, Darlington, and Platteville, serving as tax advisor at H&R Block, starting in 1992. She earned a BA in Accounting from New Mexico State University and also studied at the UW-Madison School of Business. At one time, she owned three H&R Block franchises.

She is survived by her mother, Hatheway Hasler, 93, of Middleton; her two children, Tiffany (James) Esser of Waunakee and Thomas (Angela) Hoffman of Bozeman, MT; and her grandchildren, Katarina Esser, Kaden Esser and Parker Hoffman. Also mourning are her five siblings, Alison (John) Mix, Minton (Cynthia) Brooks, Stuart Brooks, Laura Brooks and Julie Noble. Nine nieces and nephews are also missing their beloved Aunt "Happy".

Hatheway was preceded in death by her father, Robert B. Brooks, and co-parent, Thomas L. Hoffman. Born in 1944 in Brooklyn, NY, Hatheway was the first-born of Bob and Happy Brooks. During WWII, they young family was stationed in Natal, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina, then moved to Sun Prairie where Hatheway started school. She spent the remainder of her childhood, with five siblings, in Nakoma, Maple Bluff, and Middleton. After marrying Thomas Leroy Hoffman in Panama City, FL, in 1964, she and her young family lived in Mobile, AL, Midland and El Paso, TX, and Whitewater, Ripon, and Cross Plains, WI.

As a teenager, she went to camp in the Teton Mountains which started a lifelong passion for horses and the healing spirit of mountain retreats, along with the joy of rodeos and dude ranches. She even worked a summer as a night manager as the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park. Her singing was enjoyed by so many around campfires, at weddings, and in choirs where she could naturally harmonize. She knew lyrics to many cowboy and country favorites and sang in her suede fringe jacket, turquoise jewelry and cowboy boots.

Hatheway was a talented illustrator and painter, producing landscapes and portraits with a whimsical style. She was also an accomplished cook and enjoyed flavorful food she would bring to community and church potlucks. Most recently, she was actively engaged with Hidden Valley Community Church in Dodgeville and passionate about helping families stabilize their lives through social services. We invite you to donate to Cassie's Transitional House in memory of Hatheway Brooks, 605 N. Bennett Rd., Dodgeville, WI 53533.

A gathering will take place from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 with a celebration of life to follow at 12:00 PM.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406