Point Reyes Light - December 5, 2002

Inverness weekender Libby Brock dies at 80

By Larkin Bradley

Longtime Inverness weekender and summer resident, Elizabeth "Libby" Brock, died in Petaluma on Friday, Nov. 22, of complications from emphysema. She was 80.

Born Nov. 27, 1921 in Streator, Illinois, Elizabeth Jane Eades moved with her family to Southern California where her father’s auto dealership, Century Chevrolet Oldsmobile, grew to become the largest of its kind in Los Angeles County.

Multi-generation Inverness

After graduating from high school she went on to the University of Oregon where she majored in English and met her future husband, Charles William "Bill" Brock, Jr., a third-generation member of an early Inverness family. After marrying in 1942, the couple began vacationing in Inverness and bought a home in first valley known as The Witchery, which was later sold. They divorced in 1973.

While the five Brock children were growing up the family lived in Orinda "because the schools were good," noted her daughter, Betsy Brock of Petaluma. After the kids flew the nest Mrs. Brock earned a paraprofessional certification in drug and alcohol counseling, and went to work as a volunteer therapist at a San Francisco substance-abuse rehabilitation agency.

Soft of speech, Mrs. Brock possessed an engaging manner and lightening-quick wit that attracted many to her. "She had millions of friends and could make a friend," reported her son, Ted Brock. A great home entertainer, "she was so full of banter and spirit and good, interesting conversation," he added.

Elegance about her

"Libby had a sense of elegance about her," observed friend Norma Wells of Inverness. With a sharp eye and instinct for design, Mrs. Brock enjoyed taking walks and evaluating homeowners' living room decorating schemes from a sidewalk vantage point, her son laughed.

For several years in the late 1980s she made Inverness her fulltime home.

She is survived by her sons, Ted Brock, of San Gabriel, Los Angeles County; Charles W. Brock III, of Nevada City; Jim Brock, of Menlo Park; and Tom Brock, of Oakland; daughter, Betsy Brock of Petaluma; and eight grandchildren.

At her request, Mrs. Brock's passing will be commemorated at a private family picnic.

The family has suggested that any memorial contributions be made to Amnesty International.

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