Obituary: Brooke Gabrielle Mulford
Brooke passed away June 12 after an eight-year battle with cancer
On Monday, June 12, Brooke Mulford, beloved daughter of Amy Stanton Mulford (Charles Klaus) and Robert Nelson Mulford, Jr. passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus after an eight-year battle with neuroblastoma. Although Brooke was diagnosed at the tender age of 4, her passion for life and dedication to service has impacted each community in which she lived. Brooke’s smile and love of animals, especially her dog Bailey and kitten Socks, was contagious. While Brooke could be found habitually feeding ducks, she focused her legacy on helping others. The Brooke Mulford Foundation, organized in 2009, under Brooke’s careful guidance, has helped to fund cancer research. Likewise, Brooke wanted to ensure that children suffering from cancer could have access to toys and activities. Brooke opened Brooke’s Toy Closet at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md.
Through her faith in Christ, Brooke has become an integral part of the K-LOVE family. Her spirit has been encapsulated in Matthew West’s song, Never Ever Give Up, which recognizes Brooke’s ability to influence and inspire others. Brooke’s faith in Jesus Christ should give us hope that we will see her again, in His arms. Brooke will remain forever in our hearts.
Brooke’s greatest attribute, her smile, could light up the room. Brooke should be remembered for her contagious smile; her openness to others made them laugh, while the joy she felt in life’s simplicity helped others to smile.
Brooke has become a mascot to many teams in the communities who have embraced her fight against cancer and who have been inspired by her altruism. Brooke will be missed by those who have provided prayer through the various social media groups created to keep Brooke’s supporters informed of her health and well-being. Brooke drew strength from so many and all cards, well-wishes, and faithful notes were cherished by Brooke.
Likewise, Salisbury Maryland, Brooke’s first home, as well as Brooke’s Southern New Jersey roots, has enabled people to know the caring and grace that Brooke shared selflessly with others. Brooke’s schoolmates and teachers at Salisbury Christian, Osage School and Voorhees Middle School were very special to her and she will be missed dearly.
Brooke was loved and admired by many, especially her family. Brooke is survived by maternal grandparents Jean Russell (David), Greg Dunn (Millie), Barbara Armstrong and paternal grandparents Robert Mulford Sr. (MaryAnn) and Nancy Tartaglione (Vince).
Brooke is also survived by her maternal aunts and uncles, John Stanton (Johanna Marino), Alisyn Stoffel, David Russell Jr. (Brenda), Jason Dunn (Virgina), Aaron Dunn, Heather Thomas (Jacob), and James Armstrong (Misty). Brooke will be dearly missed by her paternal great-grandmother, Trula Ivans, and loving aunts and uncles Jean Burgee (George), Josh Targtaglione. Cousins, extended family, and others too numerous to mention, provided Brooke with love throughout her life.
Brooke’s family will receive friends on Friday, June 16, 4:30–8 p.m., at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road, Haddonfield. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m., at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church.
Additionally, a Celebration of Life in Brooke’s honor will be held on Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., at the Bennett High School Stadium, 300 E. College Ave., Salisbury, MD 21804.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brooke Mulford Foundation, PO Box 545 Salisbury, MD 21803.