Sydney J Rooks

Sydney Rooks, of Pontiac, MI died peacefully 10/24/2025 at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital from complications after suffering an unattended fall at home. She had been in failing health for some months. Syd had lived a life full of challenges and triumphs. Her upbringing was chaotic as well as enriching, eventually being capped by entry into the foster care system. While in foster care, she was still able to graduate near the top of her class at Redford High School.
She finished undergraduate studies at Oakland University and was awarded a JD in 1982 from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She was a member of the Michigan Bar for 42 years. Her corporate law career included work as a litigator for Dow Chemical Company. She was a Legislative Aide/ Legal advisor for US Rep. John Conyers, Jr. in his Detroit office. She held several positions in legal aid/ social service agencies providing development work, training, and media relations. Some of her positions include that of Supervising Attorney of the Free Legal Aid Clinic at the Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan’s Elder Law and Advocacy Center. She also was Director of the Open Door program at Fort Street Presbyterian Church.
During her adult years, she struggled with addiction with long periods of sobriety as well as intermittent recurrences. She was unhoused at times but at other times was taken in by generous and usually very interesting people.
Her fierce intellect lead her in many directions, including pursuit of deeper understanding of her faith. She studied briefly at two seminaries in the early 2000s. She kept a small private practice open for years, taking on mostly pro bono work. She was accompanied on her life journey by two special dogs, Cisco and Mokie.. Her quick (often self-deprecating) wit and passion for justice will be missed.

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