Ernestine (Ernie) A. Bruns, 74, passed away on March 6, 2014 at the Halifax Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born in Berlin, NH on July 3, 1939 to Ernest and Clara Bennett. Ernestine married Ralph “Buzzy” Bruns on August 3, 1957. They resided in Gorham, NH where they raised their 6 children. In 1980 Ernestine attended White Mt. Community College to obtain her LPN nursing license and obtained employment with Androscoggin Valley Hospital. While she maintained her employment with AVH she continued her education and obtained her RN nursing license. She retired from AVH in 2003. She enjoyed camping at Will-O-Wood Campground in VT, golfing, reading, crocheting, knitting and most of all spending time with her family. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Daytona Beach.
Ernestine was predeceased by her husband Ralph “Buzzy” Bruns, her parents, Ernest and Clara Bennett, in-laws, Maynard Sr. and Nellie Bruns, 3 brothers, Ernest, Leslie and William Bennett and a sister Blanche Grimard.
Ernestine is survived by her 6 children, Christopher Bruns of Mexico, ME, Timothy Bruns of Berlin, Tammy Cloutier and her husband Donald of Berlin, Vanessa Bruns of Ketchikan, AK, Kathy Vagle and husband Jeffrey of Perkasie, PA, Cindy LaBerge and husband Jeff of Brownington, VT; 14 grandchildren, Joseph, Jessalynn, Trista, Ashley, Lance, Ray, Eric, Brian, Sanford, Harley, Karl, Kirsten, James and Joshua; 6 great grandchildren, Eva, Brady, Elliana, Mason, Cameron and Leigha; sisters Joan Gingras, Elizabeth Landry, Barbara Ungaro, Claire MacArthur and Sheila McGuire. A beloved sister Alice MacDonald, brother in-law Maynard Bruns Jr. and a very dear friend Norm Anderson; many nieces and nephews whom lovingly called her Auntie Tine.
SERVICES: There will be a graveside service May 31, 2014 at 9 AM at Mt. Hayes Cemetery in Gorham. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ernestine Bruns RN Memorial Fund for Nursing at White Mountain Community College, 2020 Riverside Dr., Berlin, NH 03570. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bryant Funeral Homes, Berlin & Gorham.