In loving memory of

Hatheway Brooks
August 31, 1944 - January 30, 2017

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

Tributes

Derene Dee Watt wrote on Feb 9, 2017:

"I will always remember my brilliant wonderful friend Happy"

Travis Miller wrote on Feb 5, 2017:

"Hatheway was both a connection to my late mother and a friend to me and my children. We will miss her. So sorry for your loss. Travis Miller"

Diane Yates wrote on Feb 4, 2017:

"My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family on your loss. Diane Yates"

Donna Jean Wiegel wrote on Feb 4, 2017:

"I am deeply saddened by this news. I had done Hathaways nails and hair when I had my salon. I would book out more time then was needed when ever she came in because I knew we would talk about everything and anything. She was one of a kind. She loved deeply and truly. She was a true friend. My sympathy is with her family and everyone that she touched. God bless. "

Pat Anderson wrote on Feb 4, 2017:

"Dear Hathaway and Alison, How hard it must have been to unexpectedly lose your beloved daughter and sister. Her obituary places her in the realm of your extraordinary family. She seemed to have a well-lived life significantly and positively affecting our environment and society. May her goodness emanate and expand through her loved ones. My heart and deep sympathies are with you. Sincerely, Pat Anderson "

Tammy Halvorson wrote on Feb 2, 2017:

"So sorry to hear about Hatheway...We knew her very well. We are from Darlington, she helped us in many ways and was a good friend. The Greg Halvorson Family"

Shirley Weigel wrote on Feb 1, 2017:

"I was SO fortunate to have Hatheway as a friend, confidant and tax advisor. We were riding companions, she was there for us through Dick's illness and death. She has been here for me through thick and thin, always helping, listening and counseling me with her knowledge of the Bible and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am missing her now and always will, my condolences go out to all of her family and friends. She will be truly missed by all who have known her and loved her. She was easy to love and always returned it two times over. I loved you Hatheway, Shirley Weigel"

Darlene Kohn wrote on Feb 1, 2017:

"I had the good fortune of working with Hatheway and her family on a few media projects. She was a breath of fresh air and her smile is one I will never forget. My deepest sympathy to all of you and prayers for strength in the coming hours and days. Darlene Kohn, K2MediaWorks"

John Adams and Barb Stockhausen wrote on Feb 1, 2017:

"John and I were fortunate to know Hatheway for 25 years through our love of taxes. Tiffany was so kind to call me because she was concerned about Hatheway's clients. We will miss her very much, With greatest memories: John Adams and Barb Stockhausen "

Tom & Sharon Ryan wrote on Feb 1, 2017:

"A dear and close friend, a warm and loving spirit has left us too soon. Thank you for introducing us both to our life partners. We will miss growing old with you at our condo's by the lake. Tom & Sharon Ryan "

Jared and Ann Reuter plus the six girls wrote on Feb 1, 2017:

"Hathaway, you gave me hope in life and relationships when I had none. I'll miss watching "Breaking Bad" with you...riding horses at Bob's and eating your incredibly tasty but healthy food. God bless you and it gives me comfort that you are one of the angels looking over us here...love you lady...Jared, Ann, and the girls"

Ron and Jan Weier wrote on Jan 31, 2017:

"We were so fortunate to cross paths with Hatheway. Her two horses - Tzone and Blue came to our little ranch in November. They always enjoyed when she would stop wth a fresh apple from Kwik Trip.. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all as you progess though this difficult time. Ron and Jan Weier"

Margene Dagle wrote on Jan 31, 2017:

"Beautiful giving soul. Grateful that I got to spend time talking about Jesus with her in 2016. A blessing to us. "

Gwen Bromme wrote on Jan 31, 2017:

"Knew Hatheway for a short period, always smiling. Wonderful lady. Gwen Bromme"