November 17, 1926 – June 15, 2016

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Eugenia Bruno at the age of 89. Eugenia was called by her soul mate, Paul, to heaven’s door on June 15, 2016, 3 days after his passing.
Eugenia was born on November 17th, 1926 in Grimaldi, Consenza, Italy to Gaetano and Rosina Fata. A gentle, kind and tender hearted wife, mother, Nonna, Pro Nonna and friend.
Born in the early 1900’s, Eugenia was raised amid a time of poverty, illiteracy, and little opportunity for the citizens of Italy. This forced thousands of Italians to leave their homeland in search of a better life in America. However, Eugenia’s parents stayed the course and worked hard to raise their children under these harsh conditions. They provided their children with a strong and nurturing upbringing coupled with faith and fortitude. This laid the foundation for what would be the standard that guided Eugenia throughout her own life and what propelled her to blossom into a beautiful and strong willed young lady. With these qualities, it did not take long for Eugenia to get noticed by someone, and that is when her life changed. Eugenia met Paulo “Paul” Bruno in her teenage years and the chemistry between them was instantaneous. This lead to their marriage on April 30th, 1947 and the beginning of their 69 year journey together. In short order Paul and Eugenia were blessed with the arrival of their two boys, first, son Francesco “Frank” Bruno was born in 1948 and then in 1950 they welcomed the arrival of their second son, Gaetano “Guy” Bruno. 
Their marriage to each other faced many challenges throughout the years. Eugenia worked tirelessly to raise her two sons while her husband served in the Italian Army. In his absence, Eugenia continued to care for her family. She meticulously kept her garden to ensure a bountiful harvest and plenty of food was readily available for her boys. This is where her love for gardening began and, her unwavering quest to care for her family, no matter what the circumstance. Although the garden was bountiful, jobs and opportunities were scarce. Soon after her husband’s return from the military, they realized a change needed to be made in order to to provide a better life for them and their family. Thus, In 1951, her husband Paul took the long, nautical journey to Canada to fulfill their dream. Again, Eugenia’s patience and devotion was called upon to take care of the family in Paul’s absence. Then in 1957, after creating a foundation for his family in the City of Kamloops, Eugenia and her two sons were reunited with Paul. Eugenia took the same courageous journey that her husband had made 6 years prior, across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada. One could only imagine the mixed emotions, both the anxiety and elation, that Eugenia felt upon rejoining with her husband and starting a new chapter in the River City. In 1963 Eugenia was further blessed by the arrival of her precious daughter, Rosaria, into the family.
Eugenia possessed a true servant’s heart and whether it was friends, neighbours,or family she faithfully carried on the tradition of taking care of them. Dearest to Eugenia’s heart was her unfaltering care for her grand children. Her delicious meals and baking from scratch are etched in her grandchildren’s memories – the aroma of sweet pasta sauce emanated throughout the neighbourhood and there was nothing better than an after school snack of fresh bread smothered with “Nonna’s” famous homemade raspberry jam. This was soon accompanied by a plate of fresh french fries strategically placed quietly before you. No thank you, was never an option and how could one resist? Her food was delicious and it made her happy to see us eat. Whether it was offering food or produce from her garden, cooking a meal and eating together, knitting socks or legwarmers, it was the simple things that made Eugenia smile. Giving, made her happy. 
Eugenia had a quiet, tender disposition with an unwavering caring nature. Her home was decorated throughout with pictures of family. In the Spring she would immerse herself in her garden. Her love for gardening continued to grow even after her emigration to Canada. Kamloops provided the perfect environment for tomatoes, potatoes and many other fruits and vegetables to flourish. She proudly went about her day making sure that everything was just right and that all was taken care of. Spring turned to Summer very quickly and soon fall would arrive. In the fall, Eugenia diligently worked to preserve the fruits of her labor. An attribute which she echoed in raising her family. Her unselfish, sincere and generous nature was perpetual. Not once would one leave her home hungry or with empty hands. 
A woman of the Catholic faith and a heart filled with tremendous adulation, Eugenia shaped her family’s spirituality by her devotion to the church and examples of goodwill. The memories we have of her will live on in our hearts forever. 
She always leaned to watch for us
Anxious if we were late,
In winter by the window,
In summer by the gate.
And though we mocked her tenderly
Who had such foolish care,
The long way home would seem more safe,
Because she waited there.
Her thoughts were all so full of us,
She never could forget,
And so I think that where she is
She must be watching yet.
Waiting ’til we come home to her
Anxious if we are late
Watching from Heaven’s window
Leaning from Heaven’s gate.
by Margaret Widdemer

And so, Eugenia’s story comes to an end. Eugenia entered this world one week after her beloved husband Paul, and her life comes to a close only a few days after his death. This is not coincidence, but fate. Eugenia and Paul were soul mates and whenever Paul went away, Eugenia was soon to follow. Their love and devotion for each other has endured for over 69 years and they could not bare to be apart. Paul called his love, Eugenia, to be by his side and although we are heartbroken, we understand that they belong together. 

Eugenia is survived by her children Francesco “Frank” (Sylvia) Bruno, Gaetano “Guy” (Marianna) Bruno, Rosaria “Rose” (Cameron) Winters, loving grandchildren: Paul (Christina) Bruno, Jayson Bruno, Sandra (Domenic) Comita, Chris Bruno, David Bruno, Michael Bruno, Brianna Winters, Adam Winters, great grandchildren: Niko Bruno, Amanda Bruno, Frankie Bruno, Jaxon Bruno, Luigi Comita, Domenico Comita and Alesandro Comita and many other nieces and nephews. 

She is survived by her sisters Elena (Paolo) Bruno, Lucia (Francesco) Bruno of Kamloops. She also leaves behind her two brothers Carmine (Teresa) Fata and Gaetano (Gilda) Fata of Grimaldi, Italy.
 

Condolences can be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2016-06-15
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.