EAST LYME — Elizabeth Margaret Brodeur, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on July 20, 1957, to Donald S. and Elizabeth H. (Nancy) Brodeur, Elizabeth, affectionately nicknamed Liz, was the second oldest of ten children. Growing up in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Liz’s early years were rooted in the strength and joy of a large, close-knit family where she often took on a motherly role for her younger siblings.
Elizabeth graduated from Old Lyme High School in 1975, where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Her academic drive and spirited energy reflected the determination that would guide her throughout life. She went on to attend the University of Connecticut, where she studied abroad and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a minor in Economics. Forever a Husky, Liz looked forward to basketball season, enthusiastically cheering on both men’s and women’s teams.
Elizabeth’s exceptional Catholic faith sustained her, especially in times of personal suffering. She met life’s challenges with courage refusing to let her illnesses define her, she was a passionate advocate for mental health. Her deep spirituality encompassed every aspect of her character, integrity and her commitment to living her life without apology.
Elizabeth dedicated herself to the field of elder care, offering comfort, dignity, and companionship to those in their most vulnerable moments. Her life’s work was a testament to her compassion, patience, and deeply held belief in the value of every human being.
She cherished the simple pleasures of life: an afternoon in the sunshine, a dinner out with a friend or loved one, caring for her beloved cats, or the joy of giving a thoughtful gift chosen with care. Her generosity and attentiveness made those around her feel seen and loved.
In recent years, Elizabeth made her home in East Lyme and New London, where she made a point to connect with those she loved through calls, texts and her signature hand-written cards. She will be remembered as a family treasure, cherished for her personal relationships with each member, her big heart, sense of humor, and the twinkle in her blue eyes.
She is survived by her siblings, Donald Jr. and Karen (Agres), Jonathan and Susan (Andrews), Christopher and Margaret (Randall), Rosemary and Michael Cairns, Eric and Stacie (Skinner), Stephan, Stephanie, Marc and Jennifer (O’Connell), her Uncle Roderic Hartung and her cat Emily. She was predeceased by her brother Timothy and wife Theresa (Sottile), her parents, Donald and Elizabeth Brodeur, her companion of 19 years, Richard Kay, and their beloved cat, Spice Girl. Elizabeth “Aunt Liz” will be deeply missed by her twenty-five nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are Friday May 30th from 4-7 pm at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, CT. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday May 31st at 10 am at Christ the King Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to NAMI, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203 or online at www.nami.org , to The Foundation for Women’s Cancer 26533 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1286 https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/support-us/ways-to-give/?campaign=646054 or to Forgotten Felines,153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook, CT 06498 or online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.
Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and directions.
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