Geraldine (Gerry) Elizabeth Brodnitzki, 82, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday Dec. 3, 2023, of cardiac arrest.

Gerry was devotedly married to Bill Brodnitzki for 56 plus years. She was the daughter of Agatha Twomey Meyer and Albert Meyer. Born in Queens, N.Y., she embraced the country life of Norfolk for over 50 years. She predeceased her Aunt Clare Twomey Torre, her sister, Sister Dr. Margaret Meyer of Somerville, Mass., David Meyer (Judy) of Clayton, N.C., and Dr. Albert Meyer (Kim) of Topsail, N.C.

Gerry was the loving and proud mother (and mother-in-law) of Bill Brodnitzki Jr. (Jacqueline) of Natick, Mass., Aileen Hester (John) of Norfolk, Tom Brodnitzki (Julie) of Barkhamsted, and Anne Brodnitzki-Goldberg (Josh) of Newton, Mass. She was a wonderful grandmother to 10 grandchildren (plus one on the way) and two step-grandchildren (Kaelin, Tom, Sam, Will, Adeline, Maria, Jake, Natalie, Nick, Eliana, baby boy on the way, Luke and Katie). 

Gerry met Bill at Fordham University in a theology class. She graduated from Fordham with a BA in elementary education in 1965 and from Columbia University School of Nursing in 1967. Gerry practiced nursing at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Winsted Memorial Hospital, with Dr. Richard Barstow in Norfolk and at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. As a nurse and devout Catholic, Gerry practiced selfless service, care, friendship and stewardship to the entire community.

Gerry had many interests and was an accomplished cook and baker, had a green thumb for gardening and could sew with the best of them. She loved music, singing and playing piano, and encouraged all to join in. She volunteered at countless organizations, often taking on the “hard” or unpleasant jobs. The Norfolk Ambulance, Botelle PTO, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Appalachian Mountain Club and Norfolk Curling Club all benefited from her social grace and hard work. She greatly enjoyed her friendships and fun with the mahjong “girls” and the Isabellas.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church for over 50 years, serving as the choir director and organist for 35 years. She was active in the Catholic Woman’s Club and taught Sunday School. She was a regular reader and read at Mass shortly before she died. She loved the church while advocating for a larger role for women.

Mom was curious, well read, an amazing speller and had perfect handwriting. She had some strong opinions but was always open to a discussion on alternative perspectives. Gerry loved fun and adventure and was always willing to go on a trip, learn something new or visit a family member or friend.

She loved people and was a great talker, listener and connector. She loved Halloween on Maple Avenue and hosted an annual Memorial Day picnic. She loved swimming in Tobey Pond and Long Island Sound and she was a surprisingly good Ping-Pong player. Since the 1970s, she insisted we hold hands around the dinner table in settings both big and small, no matter the mood, and sing “We are a happy family!”

Gerry was a kind, caring and generous soul who made the world a better place. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers the family recommends a donation to the Norfolk Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 399, Norfolk, Conn. 06058. We appreciate the rapid response and amazing concern for both Mom and Dad.