Wendy Louise Brodaski

1955 - 2021

New London - Wendy Louise Brodaski passed from this life New Year's Day Jan. 1, 2021, at Backus Hospital in Norwich. Born May 27, 1955, in New London to Margaret (Yuhas) and Walter J. Brodaski, Wendy was the third child, but the first girl born into a family that would include five children.

In her early childhood, Wendy lived in the family home on Lovers Lane Road in East Lyme's Flanders Village where, weather permitting, she played in the mountain laurel-covered woods all day. The three-bedroom ranch house, however, soon proved too small for the growing family, and her father built a two-story colonial-style house with four bedrooms just down the road. With her brothers and many cousins who lived in the area, Wendy spent many hours taking part in outside activities such as sandlot baseball, chase games and swimming in nearby Pattagansett Lake. Wendy attended East Lyme public schools during the sixties and early seventies. She had a love of art and spent many adolescent hours drawing and sketching. Those family members who were closest to her would often comment that she had an unusual artistic talent. She was a kind, gentle and generous person who rarely forgot a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. Wendy preferred freshwater recreation over the saltwater beach scene and in her adult years, would return to her hometown lake "roots" as she fished in the lakes of East Lyme, Old Lyme and surrounding towns. No professional angler by any means, she loved just taking in the scenery and listening to the sounds of the birds.

Wendy had a strong work ethic, fostered no doubt by her parents' examples. In the mid-sixties, when her two older brothers had decided they were "too old" for a daily paper route, Wendy took over the route - selling it a short time later - herself realizing a small, but symbolic profit. After her school years, Wendy joined the workforce in the region, holding various administrative clerk and sales associate positions at Electric Boat in Groton, IT Distributors in Franklin and Tru-Value in East Lyme. Her last employment was with Greenwood Brothers Painting, formerly of Old Lyme, owned and operated by Robert "Bobby" Greenwood, who would become the love of her life.

Wendy and Bobby would build and live in a cozy ranch house on Browns Lane in Old Lyme, where they spent over thirty-five years taking care of many rescue dogs from local animal shelters, as well as disaster-survivor pets, all of whom lived a thoroughly spoiled and much-loved life. Wendy loved the cat world, also, and often would comment about how she could not believe that her over-indulged cats were so intolerant of the current household canines. Meanwhile, the family painting business remained steady and Wendy was always willing to lend a hand or to comment on workmanship details. When health issues forced Wendy to help with the family business in less conventional ways, she pitched in by making and packing lunches for the painting crew. In 2018, Wendy and her partner decided to downsize and they moved to smaller quarters in Norwich where she and Bobby continued to visit the regional State parks and places where the local wildlife could be seen. She loved the beauty and serenity of those forested areas.

Wendy was predeceased by her father Walter; her mother Margaret; and her younger brother Robert. In addition to her life partner Bobby Greenwood of Norwich, Wendy is survived by her brothers, James of East Lyme; Richard and wife Vicky of East Lyme and Jeffrey and wife Anne of East Lyme. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, many cousins; and a many extended family members. She held a special place in the hearts of her beloved aunties, Barbara, Eleanor, Alice and Nancy.

Wendy's family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at William W. Backus Hospital for their dedication, patience, and devotion to all those placed in their care. Also, much gratitude to Hartford Healthcare Hospice Care for the special services they administer with grace and compassion. Donations in her memory can be made to the Connecticut Humane Society. No calling hours or memorial services are planned at this time. Condolences may be shared on Wendy's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.