Virginia "Ginny" Leale Cerf Brookins, 85, of Concord, MA, formerly of Wayne, PA, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving children.

Born on January 18, 1940 in New York, NY, Ginny was the oldest child of Bianca Leale and Alexander G. H. Cerf. She grew up in Pelham, NY, and despite missing a year of school after contracting polio, she graduated from Colby Junior College and then the University of Wisconsin at the age of 21, studying history and international affairs.

After college, Ginny worked for AT&T before focusing on raising her three children and creating a loving home in Weston, CT and later Neenah, WI, Shaker Heights, OH, and Wayne, PA. A dedicated volunteer, Ginny served her community in a variety of roles, including her over forty-year commitment to St. David's Episcopal Church of Wayne and the Wayne Senior Center where she served on the board. She was devoted to caring for the less fortunate, visiting patients in cancer wards and people who couldn't leave their home.

Active and gregarious, Ginny relished time with friends and family. She enjoyed tennis, entertaining, the orchestra, visiting art galleries, swimming in the ocean, and sharing her love of knitting, crafting, and reading with others. A lifelong learner, she studied horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Art History at the Barnes Museum and took piano and French lessons.

Those that knew her will remember Ginny for her abundant warmth, generosity, and concern for others. She loved to cook dinners and bake to welcome neighbors and comfort friends. She knit countless sweaters and blankets for loved ones, and she heaped gratitude on everyone, acknowledging even the smallest acts of kindness. Ginny delighted in giving gifts, paying meticulous attention to wrapping and writing heartfelt notes.

Ginny is survived by her brother Robert Cerf of New York, NY and her loving memory will forever live on with her children Christopher Brookins, Stephanie Manzella, and Geoffrey Brookins, her six grandchildren Charles, Emma, and Mireille Manzella, Pierce Brookins, and Parker and Reid Brookins, and son-in-law Tony Manzella, daughter-in-law Lisa Brookins, and son's partner Sujata Tanikella.

A celebration of life for Ginny is planned for Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11 am at St. David's Church, 763 South Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ginny's honor to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.