Marion H. Bruce

Marion "Marnie" H. Bruce, 90, of Vernon, VT, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Vernon Hall Assisted Living in Vernon. She was born in Somerville, MA. on October 15, 1922, the daughter of the late John Wesley and Josephine (Blake) Hess.

Mrs. Bruce grew up in Lexington, MA. where she graduated from Lexington High School in 1940. She then went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree as a Registered Nurse from Simmons College School of Nursing in Boston. In 1958, Marnie and her family moved to Fairfield, CT, where she resided for thirty-three years. Her first marriage was to Ernest E. Alger, with whom she had three children. After moving to Vernon in 1993, she met and married Walter L. Bruce at the age of 70. They enjoyed 12 years together.

For many years Marnie was employed with the Boston Visiting Nurse Association. She also worked in Pediatrics, private duty, and as a surgical nurse for 25 years before retiring in 1988. After relocating to VT, she quickly involved herself in a walking club, served the Vernon Seniors as President, became involved with the early planning of the Vernon Senior Housing Project and was a devoted member of the Vernon Union Church. She was a former board member of the Windham Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Vernon Historians. For many years, Marnie volunteered tirelessly at the "Loaves and Fishes" soup kitchen and at R.S.V.P.

Her family and friends were most important to her. She was thankful for every opportunity she had to spend time with them. She was a wonderful cook and excelled in hospitality. An avid reader, she read an average of 8 books a month and kept a careful log with her personal rating scores. Marnie loved word puzzles and games and kept her mind sharp. She was known for her amazing recall of dates, places and events. In her earlier years, she traveled several times to Europe and was particularly fond of Austria. Marnie will best be remembered by those who knew her as a person who genuinely cared, gave easily and never refused the chance to help. She was known to be one you could always count on. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ and only wished she had known him better. Her eternal future was secure and at the last, she anticipated that moment when they would be face to face. Marnie has received her joy.

She is predeceased by her first husband, Ernest Alger in 2005; her second husband Walter Bruce the same year; and a brother, George Hess.

She is survived by three children, Christine Swain and her husband Robert of South Acworth, NH, Bradley Alger PHD, and his wife Lindsay of Baltimore, MD, and Clifford Alger and his wife Jeannie of Milford, CT; four stepchildren, Doug Bruce, Sandra Harris, Mary Boelen, and Margaret Bruce. She also leaves 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

A Service of Remembrance was held at the Vernon Union Church in Vernon, Vt.on Sat. Jan. 26th at 10:30 am. A reception followed. Burial will be held at Tyler Cemetery in the spring. The Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marnie's name to the Vernon Union Church, 2631 Fort Bridgman Rd., Vernon, VT 05354.