A Life of Trailblazing Brilliance - Monica Brookins

Born on July 11, 1953, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Martin and Betty  Brookins, Monica entered the world with a precocious spark that would  define her life. The second of three children, she possessed a curiosity  so bold and spirited that it often landed her in playful “trouble” with her  mother—a foreshadowing of the adventurous, intellectually voracious  woman she would become. 

Her childhood unfolded across Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York  before the family settled in Hartford, Connecticut. There, Monica  graduated from Weaver High School, her sharp mind already leaning  toward the sciences. She pursued higher education at Brandeis University  and later at Howard University—where fate quietly introduced her to  a charismatic young man named Jonathan Wells. Though their paths  diverged for decades, the connection forged in those early years would  one day return with breathtaking force. 

In the late 1970s, Monica moved to California with her parents and  launched a remarkable career in laboratory sciences, following in her  father’s footsteps. She married Willie Hendricks, and together they  welcomed two beautiful daughters, Alana and Martine. Monica embodied  the very definition of a superwoman—working full time in a demanding  scientific field, nurturing her family, and returning to school to complete  her degree at St. Mary’s College of California. 

Her brilliance propelled her into a pioneering role at the Bay Area Air  Quality Management District (BAAQMD), where she became the first  and only woman of color in her position. For 24 years, she commanded  respect, shaped environmental standards, and broke barriers with quiet  authority and unwavering excellence. 

Life’s challenges only strengthened her resolve. As a single mother  raising two daughters, she demonstrated extraordinary resilience. At  age 40, she welcomed her son, Martin Gillam, embracing motherhood  once more with joy and determination. 

After retiring from BAAQMD, Monica pursued her dream of building  a home in Florida—literally from the ground up. She worked for the  local school district, quickly earning admiration from faculty, staff,  and students. Later, she embarked on a second successful career as a  Compliance Analyst with Deloitte’s Risk & Brand Protection Group,  retiring in 2023. 

Monica lived expansively. She was an enthusiastic world traveler, a  licensed real estate professional, and a travel agent who inspired others to  explore the world. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality,  renowned for her legendary pie crust and chocolate pound cake. She and  Jonathan were gracious hosts, opening their home and hearts to all. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Martin and Betty  Brookins, and her older sister, Marcia Jean Brookins. She leaves behind  her cherished children—Alana, Martine, and Martin—her four adored  grandsons: Angelo, Amari, Ayden, and David; her brother, Martin “Marty”  Brookins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever carry her remarkable spirit. 

                               .