Sheilah Evaleen Brooks, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at the age of 62.

Sheilah (Butts) Brooks was born August 14, 1942 in Portland, Oregon, and spent many happy summers of her youth in Seaside, Oregon, staying at the hotel owned and operated by her Russian Grandparents. She graduated in 1960 from Jefferson High School in Portland, and attended Oregon State University. She was married to Richard Brooks for 18 years, and had three children.

Sheilah was a politically active person throughout much of her life, working on many local campaigns and causes that were important to her. Sheilah worked for Tri-Met for 14 years in many capacities. Sheilah worked for many diverse organizations including; The Crime Prevention Bureau of Portland, The Indo-Chinese Refugee Center in Portland, and the Juvenile Law Center. Sheilah was a published writer, a union labor organizer, and a volunteer for the Oregon Special Olympics. She was an avid oudoorswoman with a wild, adventurous spirit, and wonderful sense of humor.

Sheilah loved to ski, hike, play tennis, white water raft, socialize with friends, and travel to Europe. She was an active member of the Mazamas and the Bergreunde Ski Club, where she served a term on the board as Communications Director. Sheilah loved animals, especially wolves, and was a passionate and longtime supporter of Wolf Haven International in Tenino, WA. Sheilah had many friends and will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

Sheilah is survived by her two sons, Jeff (wife, Christina) Brooks, of Vancouver, WA, Jack (wife Billi) Brooks, of Portland, and daughter, Sherri (husband, Jim) McLoughlin, of Pine Mountain, CA; her sister, Jeannette Paulson-Hereniko, of Honolulu; and five grandchildren: Tyler, Shawn, Brandon, Justin, and Emily.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be sent to The University of Washington, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and Wolf Haven International, Tenino, WA. A celebration of Sheilah's life will be held for friends and family February 19, 2005.