Mary-Gifford (Smith) Bruley

Bruley, Mary-Gifford

91 years old, passed away on 1/4/19, a sad loss to all who knew and loved her.  Preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, and her beloved husband, Bob.  Married in 1946 on Staten Island, NY, her home, she had met this dashing young Navy officer during the war.  It was love at 1st sight, and she was engaged at 16 (“It was the war years, after all, she observed.)

With joy & kindness, she raised her son, Rob (Mary), and her daughter, Anne Lenss (Dave), giving life and love to 7 grandchildren & 9 great-grandchildren.  With a sharp and gentle sense of humor, Giffy was a gifted conversationalist, & one from whom one never heard an unkind word (except perhaps about the Green Bay Packers).  Her yard was always a comforting cornucopia for critters & it is no coincidence that her favorite Saint was St. Francis of Assisi.

Honored as the youngest chapter regent in the DAR, she was recently honored for her 70 years of membership.

A special thanks to the staff at the Glenn, & to the Park Nicollet Hospice Team (yes, Nancy, that’s you!)

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, January 14 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church (630 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata) at 11 AM, visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Assn, her favorite charity, & cause.

The Latin writer Publius Syrus said: “There’s no more sacred duty than to remember to whom you owe yourself”.  We all owe much, thus, to this wonderful woman, parent, & friend…

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