Virginia Irene Bruce

Virginia I. Bruce died peacefully at home December 17, 2019 in La Plata, MD. She was the wife of the late Kenneth E. Bruce with whom she celebrated 31 years of marriage before his passing. She was predeceased by her parents, Clayton and Irene Nickerson; her brother, Clayton “Bill” Nickerson; her sister, Janet Mullett and her husband Bill; her mother-in-law, Ida Walters and her husband Norman; and sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Thomas Casey. She is survived by her children, Linda Bieber and Charlie Rundlett, David Bruce and his wife Pamela, Robert Bruce and his wife Cindy, Bonnie Martin and her husband Roger, and Donald Bruce and his wife Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Lisa, Jeff, Chris, Adam, Amy, Kerry, Colby, Johnathan, Brian, Alex, Cody and Katie; her great grandchildren, Calvin, Casey, Bailee, Maisie, Rylee, Carson, Jaxon, Ella, Jayden, Max, Callie and Mia; along with many other special family members whom she loved dearly. Virginia grew up in Somerville, MA. She graduated from Somerville High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and played drums in the marching band. She was a member of the Rainbow Girls and was very active with swimming at the Somerville YMCA where she met her future husband Kenny. The two married and built their home in Billerica, MA “out in the country back then” leaving the city behind. They raised their five children in the home they built and Virginia continued to live there for over 60 yrs. Virginia loved children. She spent many years as a Girl Scout Leader and Camp Counselor. Many of the girls she mentored have kept in contact with her for decades. Virginia was especially proud of going back to college in her 40’s to fulfill her dream of obtaining a teaching degree. Some of her happiest years were as a teacher at the Billerica Cooperative Kindergarten. Virginia had a special love for nature. She enjoyed rocking on the porch birdwatching in the sunshine. She looked forward to family trips to Rockport and seafood dinners every summer. Her greatest joys were sitting by the ocean and lighthouses. She was our family’s lighthouse guiding us through life.

Virginia Irene Bruce

June 19, 1929 - December 17, 2019