Obituary: Diane Dryzgula Brockway, 64, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Diane Dryzgula Brockway, age 64, of Branford, CT. passed away peacefully with her husband, her brother and a dear friend by her side on December 10, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a prolonged illness. She was the loving wife of James Brockway for over 36 years. Born in New Haven, CT. on December 17, 1955, Diane was the only daughter of the late Robert E. and Marie Valente Dryzgula, Sr. with her mother passing two months ago.

Diane was a lifelong resident of CT, graduating from North Branford High School and then from Southern Connecticut State University with honors and a degree in English. Her writing and communications skills served her well as she advanced in her career that culminated in positions involving government affairs consulting and lobbying, first with Blue Cross Anthem and lastly as a self-employed healthcare lobbyist, up until the time of her retirement.

In her free time, she was an accomplished creative author and poet as well as a gifted artist. She was an inveterate and dedicated reader her entire lifetime. She had a special spot in her heart for supporting charities particularly relating to animals, the environment and disabled veterans. Her numerous rescue dogs were her constant companions and dear to her heart.

She loved the ocean and the seashore and fulfilled her dream of living on the water with her move to Branford in 2004. She was also an excellent athlete with a love for skiing, kayaking and tennis. Diane lived a wonderful life that was only slowed by her illness.

In addition to her loving husband James, Diane is survived by her brother Richard Dryzgula of Branford, her brother Robert Dryzgula, Jr. and his wife Debra of Springtown, Texas, her brother-in-law Robert Brockway and his wife Linda of Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, her nephews Jeffrey Dryzgula of North Branford, Robert Dryzgula of Milford, Daniel Dryzgula and his wife Maille of Haddam, Michael Brockway and his wife Andrea of Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania and Christopher Brockway of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, her nieces Emily Dryzgula of Branford, Christine Mathis and her husband Brian of Southington, and Lisa Conroy and her husband Matt of Erdenheim, Pennsylvania, her cousins, Anthony Valente of East Haven, Lisa Tabak and her husband Bruce of North Haven and Sandra Grimm and her husband Louis of North Branford, seven grand nieces and nephews and many dear friends, particularly including Sherry Kerwin of Southington and Kasey St. Pierre of Meriden. She had fond memories of her late uncle and godfather Pat Valente who passed last month.

Diane was a devoted wife and was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. She had the most beautiful dark eyes and wonderful welcoming smile that when combined with her encouraging words and thoughtful ways made many people treasure her presence.

Due to the pandemic, a Memorial Mass and a gathering in celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford Connecticut 06405 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in care of the PORTO FUNERAL HOME 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80) East Haven.