Virginia Broadbent

Virginia (Ginger) Ann O’Hearn Broadbent, 94, passed away on October 11, 2026.

Born in New York City on January 16, 1932, to Charles Michael and Virginia Curtis O’Hearn, Ginger was the eldest of three children: sister to Michael O’Hearn of Naples, FL and the late Peggy O’Hearn Denby. She attended Dana Hall (Class of 1949) and Briarcliff Junior College (1951), later studying early childhood education at Southern Connecticut State Teachers College. Her enjoyment of young children led to her first job at the Gesell Institute in New Haven and teaching preschool during her early years.

In 1955, she married Ericsson "Peter" Bushnell Broadbent, with whom she shared 56 years until his passing in 2011.

A lifelong athlete, Ginger had a particular passion for tennis and golf. She worked as the program director at the Hamden and Milford Racquet Clubs, played countless matches at the New Haven Lawn Club, and was a ten-time winner of the Watson Cup in badminton. In the golf world, she championed the sport as president of the Connecticut State Women’s Golf Association and served on the boards of the Connecticut State Women's Amateur Championship and The First Tee of Connecticut.

Her devotion to Dana Hall never wavered. Her deep love for and commitment to Dana was evident in her participation on the Board of Trustees and the Alumnae Board, and the decades she spent as class correspondent and class gift chair. In 2008, she received Dana Hall’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her lifelong dedication.

Ginger volunteered throughout her life—from her early days as a candy striper and Junior League member to her later work with the Alzheimer’s Association and numerous committees at Evergreen Woods. She approached service with a quiet humility and genuine care for others. She found deep strength and peace through her faith and enjoyed attending Mass at St. Thomas More at Yale.

During her final 12 years at Evergreen Woods in North Branford, CT, she continued to be a caring and active presence. Known for her warmth, handwritten notes, and phone calls, Ginger tenaciously kept track of friends throughout her life and was deeply touched by the many who connected with her during her final days.

Above all, Ginger loved her family. She will be deeply missed by her three sons and their wives: Peter and Debbie, Eric and Susie Macrae, and Michael and Rhonda; her daughter and husband, SusanMary and Charles Redinger; her brother “Mike” and his family as well as her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Whether serving her community, competing in a sport, or reaching out with a handwritten note or casserole, Ginger lived with a grace that made every person she met feel uniquely appreciated, cherished, and profoundly loved.

A service will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University on Friday, October 30th at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Evergreen Woods Scholarship Fund would be gratefully accepted at 88 Notch Hill Road, North Branford, CT 06471. Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. To send condolences, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.