Sturbridge: Edward C. Brousseau, 77, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 28 ^th , in UMass Memorial-Harrington Hospital, Southbridge. He leaves his wife of 42 years, Ellen Vangel-Brousseau; his daughter, Catherine E. Brousseau; his sister, Alice Cabana and her husband Jean; his mother-in-law, Catherine Vangel; his brother-in-law, Anthony Vangel; his brother-in-law, Danny Winn; and his nieces and nephews, Wes Vangel, Larissa Vangel, Kaylee Prochilo, Gradon Winn, Erin Perry, and Jean Cabana.  He was predeceased by his sister, Lorraine Winn.  Ed was born in Southbridge the son of Wilfred G. and Marie E. (St. Onge) Brousseau.

Eddie Brousseau did his daily crossword puzzles in pen. He kept the pantry stocked, laminated holiday-meal recipes, and was a surprisingly adept gardener.

Sparing in speech, generous in quiet kindness, a creature of contented habit; Ed cut his teeth in his father's cafe (Québécois for "bar"), catholic school, and then the US Navy. He attended and graduated UMASS using only one notebook, mingled with moneyed elite while working on the Cape, and was no stranger to bikes, racquets, or skis. Ed met Ellen at the YMCA in their native Southbridge, and they both frequented the Y consistently through the years; Ed worked some early mornings as a trainer and it was one of his favorite jobs.

When he wasn't home with a book, Ed was working outdoors, catching up on exercise and gossip at the Y, or making sneakily thoughtful deliveries to his daughter or a variety of others.

If Eddie liked you, you knew it. If he didn't like you, you knew that too.

He was incomparable, and his steadfast presence will be dearly missed.

Edward's funeral service and burial will be private.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Southbridge Tri-Community YMCA (donations welcome in person in memory of Ed Brousseau; or in check made to "Tri-Community YMCA", with the note "in memory of Ed Brousseau", and sent to the YMCA, 43 Everett St., Southbridge MA 01550, or to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp online at  (Please select "yes this is a tribute or memorial gift", then "in memory" of "Ed Brousseau".)

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.