Shirley E. Brodowski

Shirley Elizabeth (Clarici) Brodowski, of Hamilton, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the age of 93. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend, Shirley was born on April 29, 1932, in Trenton, NJ.
Loving wife of 58 years to the late Donald J. Brodowski, daughter of the late Frank A. Clarici and Elizabeth (Zupko) Clarici, sister of the late Frank Clarici Jr. and Eugene (Pinky) Clarici, she is survived by her son and daughter-in law David and Constance Brodowski of Lakeland Ranch; daughter and son-in-law, Judith and Philip Alu of Hamilton; and her brother, Lawrence Clarici and his wife Mary.
She was the proud grandmother of three grandchildren: Katharine and her husband Robert; Danielle and her husband Nick; and Jacob and his wife Genevieve. She was also the adoring aunt of several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Raised in Trenton, Shirley attended St. Joachim's Grammar School, Junior Four, and Trenton High School. As a young woman, she worked alongside her parents in their printing business initially located on the ground floor of her childhood home on Roebling Avenue.
Shirley became an administrative assistant, then held a position at the NJ Department of Motor Vehicle until she embraced the role of devoted mother and homemaker.
She took pride in turning her passion for yard sales and glassware into a thriving part-time antiques and collectibles business. With a keen eye for treasures, she became a respected presence at antique shows throughout Bucks County, Lancaster, the Golden Nugget in Lambertville, Batsto, Columbus, Shupps Grove, and beyond. Her husband, Donald, shared in this passion upon retirement, becoming her official "wrapper and packer" and eBay admin support.
She loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Nothing brought a bigger smile to "Nanni's" face than caring for Danielle, Katie, and Jake, taking them on outings, or watching them participate in their many activities.
Shirley enjoyed listening to music. She cherished trips to Atlantic City and Parx casinos, and never said no to a good diner pancake breakfast. Shirley will be remembered for her kindness and generosity.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 6th at St. Anthony Church, Hamilton from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org
Arrangements are under the direction of the M. William Murphy Funeral Home, 1863 Hamilton Ave., Hamilton. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley E. Brodowski, please visit our floral store.