Mary Ann Bruce
December 21, 1922 ~ December 2, 2010
Greece: Went home with the lord, December 2, 2010 at age 87. Mary Ann is predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Parker Bruce. She is survived by her son, Tom (Rhonda) Bruce; daughter, Kathleen Bruce; grandchildren, Wendy (Jim) Bonis; Tracy (Kevin) Schafer, Kirsten (LaDale) Hedman & Meagan (James) Castiglione; great-grandchildren, Parker Bonis, Courtnee, Andrew & Alec Schafer, Jenna, Kingston, Xhane & Mary L. Hedman, Anna & Olivia Castiglione; sister, Lillian Girton of SC; brother, Rudolph Scheerer of WI; several nieces, nephews and cousins; many dear friends.
Mary Ann started the Studios of Mary Ann Bruce 56 years ago with one piano in the living room of her Greece home. The studio has since grown to include 3 additional teachers. In Mary Ann's lifelong career of teaching hundreds of students she was also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, New York State Music Teachers Association, the National and State Federation of Music Clubs, and with the National Piano Teachers' Guild serving as president in 1978 and 1979. 'Mother Bruce', as so many fondly called her, continued to enrich the lives of students through music. Some even went on to perform on Broadway. She had incredible faith in the Lord which permeated every aspect of her life and a great love of her family and students.
Friends may call Sunday 1-5 P.M. at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road, Greece Chapel. Her Funeral Service will be held, Monday, 10:00 A.M. at Brighton Reformed Church, 805 Blossom Road. Interment in Riverside Cemetery held privately. Contributions may be made to Artist's Unlimited Inc., PO Box 26766, Rochester NY 14625 in her memory.
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As a former piano student, I will never forget Mrs. Bruce. She inspired me to love music. She cared about her students. She touched my heart as well as taught me piano.
My prayers are with her family.
Dear Tom & Family–I was so sorry to hear of all our loss when Mary went home to be with the Lord, however, our loss is Heaven’s gain. She was such a beautiful, radiant light in this world, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May our Great God give you comfort and peace under the shadow of His wings during this difficult time. Love and prayers going out to you all.
Lisa Wegman
Dear Tom and Kathleen,
You may not remember me. I was one of your mother’s students and the second of her students to teach in her home studio (following Inge). Your Mom was my second teacher. And, if we hadn’t found her, I would have stopped lessons. She made music fun, was an encourager, and gave me confidence in my abilities. Although I was a business major in college, my entire career has been in the world of music. Without your mother’s encouragement and enthusiasm that would not have happened. My parents, Bob and Kit Magee moved to be near us in Indianapolis this year. They also wish to convey their condolences to you both. Our prayers are wtih you and your family. Sincerely, Tom Magee
Dear Wendy and Parker and family.
We were saddened to hear about your grandma’s passing. She was a very lovely lady who will be remembered by many. We are happy to have enjoyed the Thunder Hockey days with her. She will stay in our hearts and prayers. Papa and Gramma Lane.
I am heartbroken at receiving the news of Mary Ann’s death. Carol Cerone sent me the message; I am presently abroad and unable to attend the funeral. My deepest sympathy to all her family. I taught for Mary Ann back in the 1970’s and had been in touch with her over the years. I feel that part of me has gone with her. Dana Liauba
I am just one of the many former piano students who counts Mrs. Bruce as a great influence in their life. Mrs. Bruce, thank-you for re-kindling my love for the piano, for entrusting me to teach with you, and for inspiring me to be a piano teacher. And thanks for introducing me to pierojies! My thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and the rest of the family.
I want to express my sympathy and condolences to Mary’s family. As a believer in Jesus, I can take comfort in Knowing Mary is reunited with Larry in Heaven. As a fellow piano teacher in Greece, I enjoyed many years if professional and personal association with Mary. She was a light and inspiration to her family, students and all who knew her.
Memory of Mary Ann Bruce. A woman of great courage and a heartful of love. Her love for God, family, students and music will never be forgotten. In her own quiet way, her life is a legacy.
Mother Bruce was such a very special person. She brought music into my life and I’m sure into the lives of so many, many others. I will always fond memories of her.
Mike Flaherty
Mrs. Bruce will be greatly missed, she inspired so many during her lifetime and will never be forgotten
With our deepest sympathy to the family.
The Honan Family
(Mike Marless David & Christine)
My Dear Mrs. Bruce,
I was just speaking to a new assistant teacher yesterday about how you taught me to teach piano and start my own piano studio here in Grand Island NY. I told her, ‘My piano teacher, Mrs. Bruce told me ‘the best thing I can do to teach my piano students is to LOVE them.’ I didn’t understand at the time, but she’s right. You love your students, share your love of music and they will blossom.’ And they have.
As my assistant left I thought I should call you and catch up on memories. That was the day you went home to be with our Lord Jesus. May our Lord caress you in His everloving arms as you dance together. Heaven’s music just got a little brighter. I Love you, Your former student and teacher, Debbie
My sincere condolences to her family on the loss of Mary Ann.
Harriette Greaser, Rochester Piano Teachers Guild
Our Daughter,Debbie Hewes, was a student and student assistant with Mary for several years, Debbie went on to college for music and still has a music ministry at her church–choir director, pianist, keyboardist, soloist and Prayer & Praise leader with both the adults and her children, (also all musicians) She taaches piano in her home with a student assistant as Mary did. Mary had a big influence on her and all of us. God has a great musician to help the heavenly choir now. We greatly appreciate her and Larry!!
Thanks for everything that you taught my son about music and life. We were blessed to have you in our lives. You will be missed.
Tom & Family,
I hadn’t seen your parents since we were attended Greece Olympia together (except for your Dad looking me up a few years later when I was stationed in Germany with the Army). Therefore, it was very fortunate that I had a chance to meet Mary Ann again a couple months ago when we all met for dinner in Canandaigua. I am happy to have had that opportunity. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tom Rhonda and Family We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing . We will keep you in our prayers .You know she is now your angel and will watch over you. Love The DeFazio Family. May God Help You Through This Time.
Tom, Kathy and family – I am so very sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. We lost our Mom back in May.
I have fond memories of piano lessons with your Mom many many years go. She had a smile and the sound of her laugh will stay with me forever.
Your Mom was the first successful and accomplished disabled woman my parents new back in my childhood. She was a wondnerful friend to my Mother who thought the world of her!
Your Mom’s legacy will live on through her music studio, students, teachers and family. I will miss her – with Love Jo Ann
Wendy and the Bruce family- we just found out about grandma’s passing and are so sorry! Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
The Bucciarelli Family
What a blessing to have known that a woman has influenced so many lives through sharing her gift of music. I did not know her that well but knew many of her students and know of the impact she had on them. What a wonderful legacy to leave!
While my son, Michael was never a student of Mrs. Bruce, we had the opportunity to visit to her studio several years ago. Michael had earned a trophy from the Federation through Hochstein, but hadn’t received it. We were referred to Mrs. Bruce, who invited us to her studio to pick up the trophy. We spent a memorable hour with her, as she showed us her studio, shared the history of it, and most importantly inspired Michael to continue his piano studies. She was a lovely woman, and we were saddened to her of her passing.