Marcia T. Brozene, 58, passed away in Santa Cruz, CA, on June 20, 2010. She is survived by her husband, Tom Brozene, of nearly 27 years, their two sons, Tommy and Jimmy; adored brothers Robert Duncan of New Jersey, and Bill (and Camille) Duncan of Georgia; as well as cherished Aunt Helen Zarsky, cousins Mary, Chris, Michelle, John, and Dee Vertucci; and nephews Michael and Jonathon Duncan.
Born and raised in Milltown, New Jersey, Marcia attended Fontbone University in St. Louis where she earned her Master’s degree in reading, and then taught in Kansas City, MO for five years before meeting Tom. After moving to California and marrying Tom in 1983, she taught in the Palo Alto Unified School District for two years before moving to Gilroy in 1987, where she worked as a reading specialist at El Roble and Rucker schools for 17 years.
Marcia was an avid and talented knitter, knitting scarves, hand warmers, teddy bear sweaters, and other specialty items that she lovingly and generously knit for her friends and family, and often sold at the St. Mary craft fair at Christmas.
Marcia loved the ocean and every bit of the Monterey Bay area. Favorite pastimes included eating in Capitola, hanging out at Rocky Point, checking out knitting shops, and shopping up and down the coast from Carmel to Santa Cruz. She looked forward to the summers when she had the opportunity to house sit for friends in Pacific Grove, enjoying every second of her time in the cool weather by the beach.
Most of all, Marcia loved her family. As a strong supporter of the arts, and very proud “stage mom” for her family’s musical and artistic talents, she bragged often of her boys, her husband, her two brothers back east, and her whole family.
Best known for her endless smile, encouraging words, and never-ending positive attitude in spite of the debilitating rheumatoid arthritis that plagued her for 43 years, Marcia never complained and didn’t let it stop her from enjoying life to its fullest. She had a great sense of humor, a passion for life, and really loved her morning coffee. She is already greatly missed, and will never be forgotten by her family and many, many friends and all who had the fortune to meet her, from the West to the East Coast.
Services have been held. Condolences may be left at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
