Dana L. Broedel

A true "one of a kind" lady has moved on to heaven to be reunited with family and friends. Our Mom, Dana L. Broedel, passed away on Sunday, August 24th at the age of 91. Dana was born May 30, 1934 in Puckerville, NY to Bennie and Doris Cross. Dana lived her entire life in North Brookfield, including attending the North Brookfield School and graduating at Waterville Central High School. On October 11, 1952 she married Jake Broedel, a union lasting until his passing in 2013. They were blessed with 6 sons and a daughter. Dana had a natural talent for art. Many of her paintings and drawings were hung with pride throughout her home and the homes of her children and grandchildren. Although quite gifted at landscapes, her favorite subjects were birds – a pastime that kept her busy even into her later years. Dana also had an incredible green thumb! Whether flowers or vegetables Dana was always growing something and knew how to thoroughly enjoy their bounty. From her gardens, she could create beautiful flower arrangements or wonderful meals to eat. And with 7 kids – she could stretch every meal to fit! Dana also enjoyed puzzles and was known to always be "working" on one, sometimes stretching on for days at a time. Many family visits and much laughter was spent around a "puzzle table" that perpetually had a puzzle waiting to be finished. Dana also had an avid interest in genealogy, and she saved every scrap of paper that had a family connection. She also loved to camp, particularly, in their "bunkhouse" (extra room for the grandkids) camper at Kayuta Lake campground. By far, her favorite activity was spending time with her family. Every Sunday she would make dinner for the entire crew, often spaghetti and burnt garlic bread, even into her 60's. She also hosted Thanksgiving dinner right up until the last few years. Her large family required her to cook enough for a small army – a task she thoroughly enjoyed. While the noise and chaos of that many people could be overwhelming to some, it was Dana's most favorite time. Dana also loved to play cards, especially during family gatherings, and with that many people around, there would always be at least one game. Pitch, hearts, scat, shanghai, were some of her favorites although she would occasionally play cribbage as well (although she would say it was too much counting for her). Dana was a proud charter member of the Waterville Area Ambulance Corp. until her retirement. During her time as a member, she taught First Aid and CPR for the American Red Cross. She also held memberships at the Brookfield Historical Society and the North Brookfield Cemetery Association. Dana was employed at Paige Florist and then for Merri Rose Florist. Dana is survived by her children. They are: Dan (Chris), North Brookfield, Bruce, Hubbardsville, Terry (Jim McFadden), North Brookfield, Mark (Cindy), North Brookfield, Dick (Brenda) Hubbardsville, Greg (Robin), Hubbardsville, and Daughter in Law, Rosemary Broedel, Waterville. Grandchildren: Jeff Broedel, Ben Broedel, Sarah Broedel, Jason Broedel, Josh Broedel, Stephanie Lyon, Colleen McFadden, Stacey Miller, Jennifer Schneeman, Amy Sanderson, Mike Broedel, Rachel Dubach, Rebecca Blaylock, David Broedel, and Emma Broedel. She leaves 20 great grandchildren. All the "apples of her eye". Additionally, Dana leaves her 3 sisters and brother: Barbara (Jim) Gallagher, Jean Vaughan, Janet Vaca, and her brother (who has been her go-to guy forever), Bob Cross (Janet Hancock), and Jake's sister-in-law Joanie Kirley Broedel. And numerous nieces and nephews what a legacy! Dana had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren. Dana was predeceased by her husband, Jake, son Daryl, and daughter in law, Deb Hines Broedel. Callin hours will be on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 5-8 at the Burgess Tedesco Funeral Home, 210 East Main Street, Waterville. A service will be held at the former St. Mary's Church located at Barnes Barn Events, 2558 Barnes Road, North Brookfield, on Thursday, 8/28 beginning at 11:00am. Internment will immediately follow at the North Brookfield Baptist Cemetery. A gathering will then be held at the North Brookfield Fire House, where friends and family are invited to share and reminisce. In lieu of Flowers, please consider the North Brookfield Fire Department. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dana, please visit our Tree Store.