Elaine B. Broderick, 97, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 12th, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in 1928, exactly one year before the stock market crash, she lived with her two older sisters, Virginia and Gloria, and her amazingly resourceful parents, Arthur and Evelyn Springer. In spite of financial hardships, she enjoyed a happy childhood. Although a city girl living in Mount Vernon NY, she developed her strong love of nature when her parents purchased a lot in Putnam Lake, NY where they built their summer home.

After high school, she began work as a secretary in Manhattan which led her to a job in the garment district where she discovered fashion and began work as a model.

Elaine’s life took a different turn when she met her husband of 57 years, John Broderick. Together they raised a family of four, starting in Riverdale, NY, moving on to White Plains, NY, then Cortlandt Manor, NY where they became first time homeowners. A job transfer brought them to Longmeadow, MA and here is where they lived for several years. As the children grew, Elaine went on to get an Associate degree from STCC and teaching degree from UMASS. This led to substitute teaching in Longmeadow, followed by a position as assistant to the dean at Springfield College. A few years later, Elaine and John moved to Palm Coast, FL and bought a summer cottage on Damon Pond in Chesterfield, MA. There Elaine was at her happiest, as in her childhood a lake and surrounding woods brought her such joy and inspiration.

She had a lifelong love of art from childhood sketches to beautiful paintings and photographs which were award winning at many gallery exhibits. In Longmeadow, Elaine was an active member of an artist’s group, and they remained friends for the rest of their lives. In 2015, she published a book of her writings and small artworks. Music was always playing in the house and one of her last requests was to listen to her favorite singer, Peggy Lee. After the loss of her husband, and son Paul, Elaine returned to Longmeadow and eventually moved to Wilbraham. Everywhere she lived, people loved her for her engaging personality, great sense of humor, and intellectual curiosity. Her home was always a welcoming place, and there was always room for all, even the unexpected guests.

As a mother she passed on her love of nature, art and music to her children and felt it her mission to bring good people into the world. Her children’s friends lovingly referred to her as Mrs.B. Elaine was a devout Catholic who had love for everyone and her kindness to all was perhaps her greatest gift. She is survived by her three daughters; Suzanne Broderick, Karen Broderick, and Sheila Hanifin, her two sons-in-law; Michael Garner and Don Hanifin, her four grandchildren; Tom Broderick, Erin Broderick, John Hanifin, and Alicia Hanifin, and her great grandson, Jude Hanifin Brassard. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and son.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 18th from 4-6 PM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham. Elaine’s funeral will be on Wednesday, August 19th at 9:30 AM at Wilbraham Funeral Home to her Funeral Mass at 11 AM at St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham.

Elaine’s burial will take place on Thursday, August 20th at 12:00 Noon in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

Memorial donations can be made to Bethlehem House, Inc, Easthampton, MA in lieu of flowers, if preferred

Elaine was greatly loved as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, and treasured friend. We will carry her in our hearts always.