Elizabeth J. Brosnihan

Elizabeth J. (DeMaio) Brosnihan ended her life’s journey on Friday, December 30, 2022, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home.

Elizabeth was born to the late Anthony and Victoria (Casella) DeMaio in Worcester attending Worcester Public Schools culminating in her graduation from Commerce High School. She was a resident of Worcester for many years until moving to Holden where she has lived for the past thirty-three years. She worked at Waite’s Hardware as an office clerk. She later retired from Venerini Academy where she served as a classroom aid for many years, where she was lovingly known as “Mrs. B.”

During her lifetime, Elizabeth had many interests including attending the many activities of her family, traveling with her husband to different destinations in the United States and Europe and preparing and hosting for holidays especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. She enjoyed adorning her home with decorations galore, most notably a glorious nativity set that she displayed with pride and joy because she truly did know the “reason for the season.” Elizabeth also cherished her summers in West Yarmouth where her family gathered for over forty years for so many memorable times, especially on beautiful sun-filled days on Seagull Beach. She was a strong supporter of Holy Cross athletics as “Dick and Betty” could be found having large fun filled tailgates on Fitton Field and at many away games.

As a woman of faith, she was a participating parishioner of St. George’s Catholic Church for over sixty years usually attending the 4 p.m. Mass where she was a recognizable presence on Saturday evenings. She instilled her commitment in her faith to her children and grandchildren, exemplified by her knowledge of the scriptures and her kind and compassionate selfless nature. It was this nature that touched many lives and the reason she was encircled with so much love throughout her lifetime.

In recognition of that love, the family owes a sincere thank you to her niece Patricia Faron R.N. for her special care and giving of her time to attend to our mother’s every need during these past few months. We would also like to thank the many nurses and aids from the Notre Dame Hospice Team who were so helpful and supportive to all of us during a very difficult time.

Elizabeth’s husband of sixty-five years, Richard W. Brosnihan passed away in 2018. She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Susan E. Pedone and her husband James of Holden and Victoria A. McCarthy and her husband Brian of Worcester: her beloved grandsons Richard J. and Matthew J. Pedone and William F. McCarthy. She is also survived by her sisters, Rosalie Catino, Lorraine Murley; a brother, Anthony DeMaio Jr. all of Holden; a sister-in-law, Patricia Faron of Leicester and several nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents and husband, she is predeceased by two siblings, Marianne Noonan and Robert DeMaio.

Services for Elizabeth will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023 with a procession from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester to St. George Roman Catholic Church, Brattle St., Worcester where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  Burial next to her husband will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.  Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Thursday, January 5^th from 4-7 pm in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to: The Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre St., Newton, MA. 02458