(L.A.) Mary Brockert, 54, Died at a Residence

Case Number: 2010-08561

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 54-year-old Caucasian female that occurred at a residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Mary Brockert.

Manner of Death: Natural

Cause of Death A: Seizure

Cause of Death B: Chronic Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy)

Other Significant Condition: Focal Atherosclerosis

RIP MARY BROCKERT (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010)

The decedent is the singer known professionally as Teena Marie.

In 2004, while the decedent was sleeping in a hotel room, a large picture frame fell and struck her on the head. The blow caused a serious concussion that resulted in momentary seizures for the rest of her life.

On the afternoon of December 26, 2010, Teena Marie was found dead by her daughter, Alia Rose, in her Pasadena home.

On December 30, 2010, an autopsy performed by the Los Angeles County coroner found no signs of apparent trauma or a discernible cause of death. The conclusion was she had died from natural causes. She had suffered a generalized tonic–clonic seizure a month before.

A generalized tonic–clonic seizure, or GTCS, previously known as a Grand mal seizure, is a type of generalized seizure that produces bilateral, convulsive tonic and then clonic muscle contractions. Tonic-clonic seizures are the seizure type most commonly associated with epilepsy and seizures in general and the most common seizure associated with metabolic imbalances. It is a misconception that they are the sole type of seizure, as they are the main seizure type in approximately 10% of those with epilepsy.

A memorial service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on January 10, 2011, for Teena Marie. Among those in attendance were Stevie Wonder, Deniece Williams, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, LisaRaye, Sinbad, Tichina Arnold, Shanice Wilson, and Berry Gordy, Jr.