Mary Ann
Mary Ann Broggi
d. July 22, 2021
Mary Ann (Sweeney) Broggi, 93, of Worcester passed away on July 22, 2021, in her home in Worcester.
Mary Ann was born in August of 1927, the younger of the identical twin daughters of Patrick and Mary Ellen (Burke) Sweeney. She was born in Boston and grew up in Arlington Heights, Massachusetts.
Mary Ann's parents immigrated to the United States from Ireland, met in Boston, and married in 1925. Mary Ann's life was clearly marked by her Irish Catholic heritage which shaped her world view. Mary Ann and Helen ("the twins") fondly remembered their uncles and aunts recounting many stories of family history, and life back in Ireland. The immigrants shared in many of the hopes and dreams which America uniquely afforded. Her parents Patrick and Mary Ellen (along with the extended family) realized the fulfillment of many of those dreams through much hard work and tenacity in their chosen professions. The example of their forebears was not lost on the two young girls, nor on their brother Vincent.
The twins were spectacular to watch together, and they had many wonderful 'twin' stories. Many an unsuspecting passerby was quite sure they were seeing double. Before marriage, Mary Ann and Helen loved to ski, and often took the "snow train" north to the White Mountains. Each year the newspaper editors of Boston covered the activities of the snow train, and in 1950 bestowed the annual title of "Snow Queen" on not one but two young ladies – clearly each of the twins was equally matched in all the most important qualities for the position!
Mary Ann was the wife of 56 years to Dr Richard J Broggi, mother of eight, and an encourager to all (who would listen). Mary Ann and Dick met in Boston and were married in 1950. They enjoyed living in Guam during the first years of their marriage while Dick was serving the United States Navy as an eye surgeon during the Korean War conflict. They settled in Worcester Massachusetts where they raised eight children. Mary Ann supported Dick in his medical practice for over 40 years, and then they travelled the world during their seventies.
Mary Ann's life in Worcester spanned eight decades. Over 50 years of family memories and neighbors on Hancock Hill Drive accumulated, some still aging together and sharing stories from the 1960's to present.
Mary Ann held multiple supportive roles in women's auxiliary groups, children's events, and various club leaderships, while her family was growing.
Her deep love for, and confident faith in God, was apparent. Her life reflected her understanding that "prayer is powerful", and that God's help is always there for those who ask. Her example of faith in God has been sown into countless lives especially through her influence on her children.
After bringing up her children, Mary Ann and her twin sister managed several rental properties with great pride and enjoyment. Mary Ann continued on as the visionary and managing partner of a real estate company in Worcester for over three decades.
She had a compassion for all living things, and could frequently be found gardening or landscaping, highlighting the beauty of God's handiwork. She took in stray dogs and cats and fed birds endlessly. She never wasted time. She was keen to respond with a positive perspective to opportunities and challenges for her family.
Mary Ann is survived by 7 children: Richard Broggi and his wife Ellen (O'Donnell), Brian Broggi, Kevin Broggi, Carl Broggi and his wife Audrey (McKay), Paul Broggi, Mary (Broggi) and her husband Peter Hubbe, and Sally Broggi. She is graced with a heritage of many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her sister Helen (Sweeney) Leonard, and brothers Bernard and Vincent, her husband Richard Broggi, and her second son, Roger Broggi.
The family held a memorial service at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Shrewsbury, MA. Cards and notes can be sent to:
Broggi Family
The Elms at Briarwood
65 Briarwood Circle
Worcester, MA 01606
Mary Ann was born in August of 1927, the younger of the identical twin daughters of Patrick and Mary Ellen (Burke) Sweeney. She was born in Boston and grew up in Arlington Heights, Massachusetts.
Mary Ann's parents immigrated to the United States from Ireland, met in Boston, and married in 1925. Mary Ann's life was clearly marked by her Irish Catholic heritage which shaped her world view. Mary Ann and Helen ("the twins") fondly remembered their uncles and aunts recounting many stories of family history, and life back in Ireland. The immigrants shared in many of the hopes and dreams which America uniquely afforded. Her parents Patrick and Mary Ellen (along with the extended family) realized the fulfillment of many of those dreams through much hard work and tenacity in their chosen professions. The example of their forebears was not lost on the two young girls, nor on their brother Vincent.
The twins were spectacular to watch together, and they had many wonderful 'twin' stories. Many an unsuspecting passerby was quite sure they were seeing double. Before marriage, Mary Ann and Helen loved to ski, and often took the "snow train" north to the White Mountains. Each year the newspaper editors of Boston covered the activities of the snow train, and in 1950 bestowed the annual title of "Snow Queen" on not one but two young ladies – clearly each of the twins was equally matched in all the most important qualities for the position!
Mary Ann was the wife of 56 years to Dr Richard J Broggi, mother of eight, and an encourager to all (who would listen). Mary Ann and Dick met in Boston and were married in 1950. They enjoyed living in Guam during the first years of their marriage while Dick was serving the United States Navy as an eye surgeon during the Korean War conflict. They settled in Worcester Massachusetts where they raised eight children. Mary Ann supported Dick in his medical practice for over 40 years, and then they travelled the world during their seventies.
Mary Ann's life in Worcester spanned eight decades. Over 50 years of family memories and neighbors on Hancock Hill Drive accumulated, some still aging together and sharing stories from the 1960's to present.
Mary Ann held multiple supportive roles in women's auxiliary groups, children's events, and various club leaderships, while her family was growing.
Her deep love for, and confident faith in God, was apparent. Her life reflected her understanding that "prayer is powerful", and that God's help is always there for those who ask. Her example of faith in God has been sown into countless lives especially through her influence on her children.
After bringing up her children, Mary Ann and her twin sister managed several rental properties with great pride and enjoyment. Mary Ann continued on as the visionary and managing partner of a real estate company in Worcester for over three decades.
She had a compassion for all living things, and could frequently be found gardening or landscaping, highlighting the beauty of God's handiwork. She took in stray dogs and cats and fed birds endlessly. She never wasted time. She was keen to respond with a positive perspective to opportunities and challenges for her family.
Mary Ann is survived by 7 children: Richard Broggi and his wife Ellen (O'Donnell), Brian Broggi, Kevin Broggi, Carl Broggi and his wife Audrey (McKay), Paul Broggi, Mary (Broggi) and her husband Peter Hubbe, and Sally Broggi. She is graced with a heritage of many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her sister Helen (Sweeney) Leonard, and brothers Bernard and Vincent, her husband Richard Broggi, and her second son, Roger Broggi.
The family held a memorial service at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Shrewsbury, MA. Cards and notes can be sent to:
Broggi Family
The Elms at Briarwood
65 Briarwood Circle
Worcester, MA 01606
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Ann Broggi, please visit our flower store.
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