Born December 21, 1939 in Kimberly, Alabama
Departed December 15, 2023 in Melbourne Beach, Florida
Ruth Delores (Dee) Bruno, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Melbourne Beach, Florida on Friday December 15, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents Willie Herbert and Elizabeth (Rickels) Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Adrian Bruno, sons Michael (Anna) and Jeffrey Bruno, sister Regina (William) Lindsay and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Ruth was born on 12/21/1939 in Kimberly Alabama and lived alternately between there and Jacksonville, Florida where in 1964 she met and married the love of her life Navy Lt. Adrian Bruno. Upon Adrian’s discharge from the Navy, the couple settled in Corning, NY where their 2 sons were born.
In 1969 Ruth was diagnosed with the very rare and incurable hepatic disease, Acute Intermittent Porphyria. The diagnosis shed light on her prior unexplained and painfully debilitating attacks which Ruth would continue to bravely endure for the rest of her life. After her boys were in school Ruth attended Nursing school partly for a vocation and also as self defense in a medical system that had little knowledge of how to manage her rare disease. She became a very knowledgeable and active member of the American Porphyria Foundation where she used her knowledge to support many others around the world who were afflicted with AIP.
In spite of these health difficulties Ruth led a very active and productive life, working as a nurse while moving from Corning, NY to Iowa City, IA to Rolling Meadows, IL with husband Adrian’s career changes. It was in Iowa that Ruth formed her own color consulting company, Images, with her good friend Nancy Duffner. Their copyrighted color system, Colortools, was sold all over the world and continues to this day under new ownership following sale of the business after Adrian’s retirement and their move to Florida.
Ruth loved to paint and over the years produced many works that presently adorn the walls of friends and family. Her style was distinctively eclectic and whimsical using acrylics, water color, and mixed media. Her legacy lives on in her artwork.
As per Ruth’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
16 entries.
Janice & Joe Goodyear
from Algonquin IL wrote on January 13, 2024:
Joe and I were deeply saddened by Dee’s passing. We will never forget her feistiness and grace. She was a very special lady and friend. We were very bless to have know her all these years. Love to Tony, Mike & Jeff
angela hofmann
from Callahan wrote on January 2, 2024:
We are very sorry for the loss of “Dee” as I knew her. She was always very upbeat and quite funny at times despite her illness. I would come do her hair for her and she was always thoughtful and kind. Although I moved out of the county, I would often think of Tony and pray that Dee is doing well. God Bless you and your family. Angela and Skip
Alan and Laurie Schoeck
from Loudon wrote on December 30, 2023:
We connected as fellow nurses, neighbors and friends in Rolling Meadows. Her door was always open.... And she is missed. But heaven.... What a day if rejoicing! We will be together again..... Heartfelt sympathy for the earthly separation you are experiencing.... She was one of a kind!
SANDRA PODESTA
from Melbourne Beach wrote on December 26, 2023:
My deepest condolences to you, Tony, and your entire family. I am so grateful that I got to meet Dee and to hear the stories of your courtship, life together and love for each other. I know she will be missed by everyone who knew her and I pray you find comfort in years of wonderful memories. With sympathy, Sandy
Laurie and Deon Frye
from Loudon, TN wrote on December 21, 2023:
Our thoughts and prayers with Tony and family especially today, Dee's birthday. We celebrate Dee's gifts of Southern warmth in a cold Chicago climate, her love of artistic expression, her continued strength in fighting hard battles. May you rest in His arms now, Dee.
Tim Pillsbury & Patricia
from Brownsburg, IN wrote on December 21, 2023:
Aunt Dee was kind, beautiful and loving. She helped me to define the word "home" and was always happy to see me or to talk. There will never be another like her and I will always think of her with a smile. She is home now with the Lord and at peace, hanging out with Elizabeth and laughing together, waiting for the rest of us. I love you Aunt Dee, and Happy Birthday today.
Our deepest sympathies to Tony, Mike and Jeff for their loss, and also to her sister Regenia, my mother, who loved Dee with all of her heart for a lifetime. You are loved
Linda McCormack
from Fort Worth, Tx wrote on December 20, 2023:
It's difficult to find the words to express the sadness I feel but also am glad her pain is finally gone.
Dee was beautiful, kind, caring, and so gifted in ways that you who knew her, understand exactly what I mean. She was a cherished friend. Love to you Tony, Mike and Jeff. For you sweet Dee I will have "A Cup of Christmas Tea".
Carol Parry
from Palm Bay wrote on December 20, 2023:
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am grateful to be blessed with one of Dee's gorgeous watercolors, a bright flamingo to remember her by, and memories of her friendship to me when I was very lonely. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Eternal memory
Ron & Loretta
from Melbourne Beach, FL wrote on December 20, 2023:
Our hearts are broken over the loss of Dee. Our deepest sympathy to Tony and the family.
Louise and Sal Martino
from Mandeville,Louisiana wrote on December 19, 2023:
My heart breaks losing a great friend. I know she is in peace now after a long battle .We had so much fun together and many funny memories. She was very talented, smart ,beautiful person. She will be missed by all. My love to Tony, Mike, and Jeff
Ruth Salek
from Crystal Lake Il wrote on December 19, 2023:
Rest in painless peace Dee. You were a special person and I will miss you.
Jay Wickham & Cindy
from Sarasota wrote on December 18, 2023:
The Bruno family,
We offer our thoughts and prayers.
Be well and safe.
God Bless
Cin and Jay 🙏🏻🐞❤️
Kelly Costabile
from Saint Charles wrote on December 18, 2023:
Our thoughts and prayers to the Bruno Family.
Joyce Ernst
from Allendale, NJ wrote on December 18, 2023:
Our deepest sympathy. Dee was a girl that you do not forget. She loved her family and friends. A fond farewell dear friend, until we meet again. We will miss her. May God bless her and keep her. May He make His face shine upon her and give her peace. Amen
Gloria Brubaker
from Watkins Glen wrote on December 18, 2023:
Tony, Jim and I were both so sadden to hear of Dee’s passing. She was an amazing woman. She let me share things with her that I don’t always share. It was like we were the best of friends when we shared times together. Please accept our deepest sympathy. I wish I were closer so I could do something special for you Please know we are thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
Much love to you and the boys. ❤️❤️💔
Chris Costabile
from Saint Charles IL. wrote on December 18, 2023:
So sorry for your loss Mike. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Born December 21, 1939 in Kimberly, Alabama