Giovanna Brooks

Guilderland — Giovanna Brooks, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Samaritan Hospital, after bravely losing her battle with illness.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Teresa Catalano.

Giovanna loved her family above all else and was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including rewatching her favorite old movies, enjoying her sweet treats, and spending cherished time with her sisters. She also loved playing Bingo, trying her luck with scratch-off tickets, and making memorable trips to the casino with her sisters. Those moments made her the happiest, and she often spoke of them as a memory.

Giovanna is survived by her loving daughter, Sherri Selke (Luis), and her son, Vincent Brooks (Lisa); her grandchildren, Jason, Josh, Justin (Kim), Meghan (Mike), Danielle, Derrick (Maggie) and Lindsay; and her 11 great-grandchildren (Sophia, Alessia, Brooke, Jayda, Owen, Henley, Harper, Mike, Vivian, Marion and Benjamin). She is also survived by her brother, Tony "Nino" Catalano; her sisters, Sera Sickles-Hotaling and Marie (John) Drexel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, Lester; her brother, Dominic; and her sisters, Carmella, Margaret, Teresa, Antoinette, and Grace.

Giovanna will be remembered for her love of family, her warmth, and the special bonds she shared with those closest to her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Giovanna now rests in God’s loving care, reunited with those who went before her. May she find eternal peace, and may her family be comforted by her lasting love and cherished memories.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday March 11th from 9:30am-11am with a Mass to follow at 11am at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr, Albany, NY 12211. 

Interment in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.