Gwen Brodaczynski, age 89, was called home by our loving and merciful Eternal Father on February 23, 2026.

Gwen was born Sept 23, 1936 in Lancaster, PA. She moved to Richland with her parents in 1944, when her father came to work on the Manhattan Project.

Sadly, Gwen lost her mother when she was a young girl. Her devoted grandparents moved out West for a time to help the family carry on. She lost her father only a few years later. During those years, a love of horses gave Gwen something to enjoy. She was a member of a riding club in Richland in the early 1950s. Her mentor—a tough cowboy named Ray—managed the horse property with a strong hand. The original old barn where she kept her horse still stands today on Van Giesen street.

Gwen graduated from Columbia High School in Richland in 1954. She married young, and had four children with her first husband, Jim Donnell. After they divorced, she was blessed to meet the love of her life, Richard T. Brodaczynski. Gwen and Richard were married at Christ the King Catholic Church on June 1, 1968. Their bond was strong, and together they experienced the joys and challenges of life, until Richard’s passing in 2014. The Catholic faith gave them comfort and strength. They raised the children in the faith, educating them at Christ the King Catholic school.

Gwen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Strong and stoic, she was the “rock” of the family, and the source of wisdom for many. Gwen also loved animals and cared for all those who came under her roof over the years. Her dog Kinzie was especially dear to her.

The family home was located on five acres near the Yakima River in Richland. For over 45 years, it was warm and welcoming. The nearby desert trails were a wonderful place for Gwen and family to ride horses.

Gwen worked as a lab technician at Battelle PNL in Richland for over 30 years. She loved her work and the people she worked with—in particular, those in the the 329 building in the 300 area.

After retirement, she went on several cruises with close friends, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. Good memories with friends meant the world to her.

Gwen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, and by her brother, Robert Ganse.

Survivors include son David Donnell, and daughters Denise Hagood (Michael), Dianna Cline (Larry), and Deborah Brodaczynski. Grandchildren: Danielle Melbihess (Toby Cowin), and Christian Howard. Great-grandchildren: Calaya Howard, and Ramsey Cowin.