Mary E. Duke Broom - Cremation Society of Virginia

Mary E. Duke Broom

November 27, 1942 - January 29, 2018

Virginia Beach- Mary Elizabeth Duke Broom, 75, died peacefully in her sleep on January 29, 2018. Born on November 27, 1942, in Beaver, OK, to Edwin and Alice Duke, Mary grew up mostly in Oxnard, CA, and often said that the best part of high school was drag racing after class.

Mary loved striking up conversations with strangers and that’s how she met her husband of 56 years, Thad A. Broom, Jr. On vacation in Key West, she arrived early to meet her date and saw a soldier sitting by himself at the bar. She bought that soldier a drink and they were married 6 weeks later. Together they lived in Germany and France before settling down in Virginia Beach, VA.

Mary was known to several generations of children as “Miss Mary,” either from her time as a pre-school teacher at Grace Lutheran Church or from the swimming lessons she gave in her backyard pool in Lake Christopher. If you knew Mary then you would agree that she was a born charmer with a quick wit and a dirty mind. She loved orchids and beach chairs and babies and ice skating. She was happiest in her backyard, usually surrounded by friends and telling stories of her world travels.

Mary is survived, and missed dearly, by her husband, Thad, her daughter, Deborah Broom, her son, Gregory Broom, her grandson, Jayme Pounders and her son-in-law, Ricardo Bairos. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Ell, brother, Lawrence Duke, her sisters-in law Claudia Hendren and Joyce Broom, her brother-in-law, Robert Broom, her nieces, Sonya Hendren, Katherine Ell and Kristine Ell, and her nephews Patrick Ell, Robert Ell, and Lawrence Hendren.

Mary was a feminist who believed in equality and fairness for all and and would tell anyone who disagreed with her to “get a grip!”. She was patiently waiting for the legalization of marijuana. Please toast her with whatever makes you feel good. A memorial will be held in the Spring and the family asks that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made in her name to the Arthritis National Research Foundation (https://www.curearthritis.org).

Cremation Society of Virginia

Light a candle Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

Plant a Tree

See Condolences

I met Mary in 1989. From the moment I met her, I knew I was loved. She loved and care for my sons Jason and Will as if they were her own grandsons. I could write a book on all the wonderful memories I have of Mary. I will leave the Broom family with this, in her Lake Chris home, Mary had a stain glass mature woman in beach entire holding an ice cream. I always told Mary she was a “younger” version of that woman. When Pete and Mary moved from Lake Chris, she told Debbie she wanted me to have that stain glass. A day hasn’t gone by when I haven’t seen it and thought of her! Mary, I know you are hostessing the best beach party in Heaven. Cheers to you until we meet again! PS Thnak you for my Gal Pal Debbie! She is very much like you. Love you both.

Everything I know about life and how to handle it, I learned from Mary Broom. To her real estate world, always "Mary Broom." She called me Fluke. She showed me, if nothing's happening, then make it. And about her burden of a body where everything hurt, and the cure: smoking everything, drinking anything, soaking, cool in the pool or very hot tub, naked. She loved life and squeezed it on all four cheeks! I was blessed to have shared 6 years with her, "life is not a dress rehearsal. " "Face it, nobody gets out of here alive."

I sure will miss my dear friend of nearly 60 years. We were single chicks doing the bar hoping around DC, trip to Atlantic City and just fun times. Location separated us for awhile but I had the pleasure of Mary being my real estate agent when we moved to Virginia Beach. What a gem she was and will remain in my heart forever. Many fond memories of a wonderful person. Until we meet again, rest in peace my friend.

Mary introduced me to my first wife, Norma Jean Gunesch. We were married 36 years until her death in 1997. I loved Mary like she was my sister.

We lived next door to Mary & Pete for over 35 years. Mary was a loving person, who always loved a good joke. Mary always told it like it was. We will never forget Mary yelling at fast drivers going thru our neighborhood. God bless you, Mary.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I grew up next to Ms. Mary in Lake Christopher. She treated my as her own daughter...such great memories playing in the pool with Debbie, Greg and the neighborhood kids!

Mary Broom had a beautiful soul, she will be missed dearly. Prayers sent to her family and friends

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.