Emilia Brodskaya

Emilia Brodskaya was a wonderful charmer who brought light and humor to every interaction, connection, and relationship she engaged in. Loved and admired by all whom she came into contact with, she grew kinder and more joyful with every step of her amazing life journey.
She was born in St. Petersburg (back then Leningrad) on July 12, 1931. The daughter of an engineer and a homemaker, Emma brought a joyful energy to everything she did. Her formative years took place during WW2, and she was just 10 years old when the Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union. In the next 3 years, she experienced the siege of Leningrad, a 900 day blockade of the city where hunger was endemic and the future uncertain. Somehow, this experience made her grow up to be a resilient optimist; it taught her the magical value of every day given to us, and she never stopped celebrating that gift.
After the war, she graduated from technical school and worked as an architectural technician, receiving a number of awards and accolades for her work. In 1977, she emigrated with her son Ilya to the United States. She had $400 to her name, spoke no English, and did not know anyone in the US. Motivated by her optimism, courage and curiosity, she enjoyed every step of that journey.
At her first place of employment, she met a wonderful, humorous, warm-hearted man named Manuel Egana (also known as John Vargas). He spoke no Russian, and her English was rudimentary at best; yet, their connection was instant, natural, and lasting - they spent 29 years together. These years were marked by love, adventure, and mutual admiration and respect.
Manny, a true giver and carer, helped her to become an American, became the father to her son Ilya, and showed her the beauty of our world. Together, they lived a love story only a few are lucky enough to experience. Her best friend and the love of her life, Manny helped her to achieve the life she had always dreamed about. After he passed in 2006, she dedicated her life to her children and her granddaughter, Luba.
Always energetic, positive, and endlessly generous, Emma was universally adored in the Watergate at Landmark, where she has resided for the last 35 years. Whenever she walked through the grounds of that community, she was always greeted and celebrated by her neighbors and friends.
Her death on June 27, 2025– just a few weeks short of her 94th birthday- deprived her family and friends of a joyful matriarch, who was a source of inspiration, positivity, and the glory of life. She will be forever missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her son, Ilya Brodsky, her daughter, Marjorie Egana, and her granddaughter, Luba Brodsky.
The bright light of her love and kindness will warm us for many years to come!
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Emma's memory may be made to JSSA Holocaust Survivor Program. https://www.jssa.org/donate/