Hatfield, MA – Rita M. (Houle) Brzozowski, 86, of Hatfield, passed away on Friday October 9, 2026, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She was born August 28, 1940, in Holyoke, MA to the late Arthur and Annette (Tanguay) Houle. Rita was educated in Holyoke schools and was a graduate of Precious Blood High School, where she learned her prayers in French, and proudly remembered them throughout her life.
Rita fell in love with Joseph Brzozowski and the couple married on September 1, 1958. They raised their three children, Sharon, John and James, in Hatfield. She spent many years working at the former Agway, Noonan Oil and Osterman Propane. Rita belonged to the former Holy Trinity Church in Hatfield and the Rosary Sodality, and she enjoyed singing in the church choir.
Rita remained active for many years, enjoying neighborhood walks until her health no longer allowed them. She enjoyed traveling with Joe and loved to reminisce about their cross-country trip, as well as their trips to Alaska and Australia. An avid tag-sale shopper, she delighted in finding treasures throughout the valley. She also loved cooking and welcoming the whole family into her home for holiday gatherings.
She is survived by her loving husband Joseph Brzozowski of Hatfield, her son James and his wife Diane of Hatfield, her sister Claire Doiron and her husband Albert of Summerfield, FL, her grandchildren, Lauren Peachey and her husband Thomas of East Longmeadow, Joshua Adams of Northampton, and Steven Brzozowski of Brooklyn, NY. Rita also leaves her sister-in-law Ann Kamansky, her daughter-in-law, Robin Brzozowski and her son Seth Allen of Athol, and several nieces and a nephew.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Sharon Adams, son John Brzozowski, sister Doris Pascarella, and brother-in-law Constantine Kamansky.
All services will be private and at the convenience of the family. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON has been entrusted with her services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a charity of one’s choice.
For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.
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