Manhasset American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304

Ronnie Brooks was a faithful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. Many knew her as their child’s first grade teacher at Munsey Park School.  Others knew her as a religious education teacher at St. Mary’s.

Ronnie  believed in giving back.  She joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 2007 and truly lived our motto, “Service not Self, for Veterans, God and Country.”  She held two officer positions, Recording Secretary and Sergeant-At-Arms.  She would say that she would do anything that was needed, just as long as someone showed her how.  And she did.  She exemplified commitment and dedication despite the challenges of a serious illness during the past few years.  She was truly a faithful member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She distributed Poppies each year at St. Mary’s, at King Kullen and at the Memorial Day Parade to raise funds for veteran programs.  If we were packing boxes for our military in Afghanistan, Ronnie was there to help.  She served on our Selection Committee for our annual Americanism award for graduating seniors. She never missed a Unit meeting, any of our luncheons or fund raising events, and she always marched in the Memorial Day parade.

Ronnie supported  the Nassau County American Legion Auxiliary through her attendance at conferences, monthly meetings and annual dinners.  She supported American Legion events locally and at the County level and attended the Nassau County Commander’s Ball just one month ago.  Ronnie never stopped willingly.  She only stopped when God called her home.

Many St. Mary’s parishioners will remember the Brooks family entering St. Mary’s on Easter each year as the children were growing up.  Ronnie and her two daughters were always wearing Easter bonnets.  Easter must have held very special meaning for Ronnie.  God called her home at Easter, and just as we are celebrating the joy of His Resurrection here on Earth, she is now experiencing the even greater joy of sharing in His Resurrection in Heaven.  We will remember Ronnie with pride and gratitude for her works and for the positive example she has given to so many.

Ruth Lee Needham was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 42 years. Her membership is actually longer since her mother enrolled her when she was a young girl as a Junior member.  Ruth Lee was a former member of the Port Washington Unit who joined Unit 304 upon the closing of the Port Washington Unit .

Ruth Lee touched the lives of countless veterans during those years, one of whom was her husband, Bob, to whom she wrote a letter each day of his military service.   Bob saved them all.  Ruth Lee was also a true role model for young women.  At a time when it was not so fashionable, she graduated from college with a double major in economics and sociology.  That was in 1948 when less than 29% of those enrolled in colleges were women.  Now it’s over 57% so Ruth Lee was definitely ahead of her time.

She was a devoted wife, loving Mom successful businesswoman and a giving volunteer.  Her life was characterized by service beginning with her earliest days as a Girl Scout and then continuing as a Girl Scout Leader.  She did extensive work with her husband Bob for the Lion’s Club and was a very active member of St. Stephen’s Church in Port Washington.

Ruth Lee was an Empire Girls State citizen and we are very proud that she served as our Empire Girls State Chairperson for several years.  This is a wonderful program each year for more than 300 girls who are juniors in high school from all over New York State.  They meet for one week at a college campus and undergo an intense, hands-on experience in learning about our form of government.  By serving as Chairperson, Ruth Lee assisted young women in becoming informed voters and maybe even political leaders.

Ruth Lee’s contributions to our American Legion Auxiliary will not be forgotten. She had a tremendous influence upon our communities and lived our motto, “Service Not Self for Veterans, God and Country.”