Mary Gladys Bruce

Mary Gladys Bruce, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved member of the Fairfax community, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, at the age of 95. Her life was a quiet testament to service, faith, and love of family.

Mary was born on August 23, 1929, on Mt. Vision Ranch in Inverness, California, to Manuel and Rose Leal. In 1932, they moved to the Bourne Ranch between Bolinas and Stinson Beach, today the site of the Audubon Canyon Ranch preserve. In 1940, the family moved to Slide Ranch in Stinson Beach. Mary and her five sisters worked hard alongside their parents on the dairies they ran on all three of their ranches. She attended grammar school in Bolinas and, later, Old Mill School in Mill Valley before graduating from Tamalpais High School, where she formed friendships and values that carried her through life.

After high school, Mary began working at Pacific Bell Telephone Company where she met her future husband, Joseph Eugene Bruce. They married in 1953 and settled in Fairfax, building a warm and loving home while raising three children. Their marriage spanned an incredible 71 years.

While raising her family, Mary began volunteering at St. Rita's School library. Her dedication led to a staff position at the school and later at the St. Rita's Rectory. She eventually transitioned to a volunteer role as a Pink Lady at Marin General Hospital, where she was later hired into the hospital's personnel department. She retired in the late 1980s and is remembered fondly by colleagues for her kindness and work ethic.

For many years, Mary walked to work from her home in Fairfax—a daily habit that reflected her independence and love of routine. She often made that walk alongside her dear friend and co-worker, Sally Zunino, sharing stories and laughter on their way to Marin General Hospital. Mary was deeply involved in the community as a member of the St. Rita's Women's Guild and as a Girl Scouts troop leader. She was also a lifelong parishioner of St. Rita's Catholic Church where her presence and service touched many.

In 1993, Mary became a grandmother to her one and only grandchild, Joshua Marshall Adams. "Grandma" was her favorite title and she embraced it fully—lavishing Joshua with affection, treats, and unconditional love. She adored being a grandmother and never missed a chance to show it.

In her later years, Mary organized reunion gatherings for her surviving sisters and extended family. These joyful events were full of storytelling, laughter, and togetherness—an extension of the close-knit childhood she had with her five sisters.

Mary is survived by her children: Rebecca Bruce (Allen Hiskey), Thomas Bruce, and Karen Bruce Adams; her grandson Joshua Adams (Mario Cambern); and her sisters Grace Farley of Nicasio and Jane Silva (Pat) of Santa Rosa. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Bruce; her sisters Violet Cowles of Vallejo, Georgia Bartl of Santa Venetia, and Ruth Dougan of Beatty, Oregon; and by her parents, Manuel and Rose Leal. She is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, who will continue to carry her memory forward.

Mary will be remembered for her quiet strength, boundless generosity, and devotion to those she loved. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported her throughout her life and later years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Native Sons of the Golden West, Fairfax Parlor #307 Scholarship Fund, 135 Mitchell Drive, Fairfax, CA 94930

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