Elena Bruning

Elena Lisbeth Bruning

1941 - 2018

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Obituary of Elena Lisbeth Bruning

Elena Lisbeth (Sette) Bruning, 77, of Cambridge, passed away peacefully on her farm, Thursday, December 13, 2018 surrounded by her beloved family, friends and pets.

 

She was born August 18, 1941 in New York, NY to the late Edward Joseph and Vincenza (Schiavi) Sette.

 

When we all wind down our days, and look back, we should all hope to have led a life as interesting as Elena Bruning’s.  She was the daughter of Italian-American immigrants and grew up in Europe, speaking multiple languages. Elena attended nursing school at the age of 40 and became a Registered Nurse. Among her 30 years in nursing she worked at Albany Medical Center, Mary McClellan Hospital, and Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.  

 

Elena’s life’s professions also included homemaker to her 8 children, running all aspects of a certified dairy goat farm and later a sheep to sweater farm.  She was one of the founding members of the Troy farmers market where she sold handwoven crafts, mittens, sweaters, and hats for 16 years.  From goats and sheep, chickens and peacocks, to dogs and cats, she had a deep love for animals, plants and life.  People knew her as a strong and fearless woman and a natural entrepreneur.  As the true family story goes, when Mom decided she wanted to learn how to spin wool, she bought a flock of sheep. 

 

At home, Elena cultivated strong family bonds and she thrived on an appreciation for great food, the creative arts, and the joy of living simply.  She was incredibly patient and charming, doing anything for her family and friends.  Everything she accomplished in her life was for her children.  Elena was a creative and prolific cook who effortlessly fed all who came to her home.  She always baked an extra banana bread to send home with guests. Elena was known as Mom to many of her friends who were touched by her generosity, her smile and of course her delicious meals.

 

Mom lived by the motto ‘Have fun and laugh a lot, a free prescription.”

 

She is survived by her loving children, Amalia (Stephen Lamb) Bruning of CA, Edward (Deborah Coffill) Bruning of NY, Elizabeth (Stephen Stearns) Bruning of NY, Christina (Jeff Tanka) Bruning of WA, Andrew (Paula Castillo) Bruning, of Columbia, Margaret (David Long) Bruning of WV, Kathryn Bruning of NY, and Jessica Bruning of NJ; 5 grandchildren Eric (Aida), Andrew and Rachel Bruning, Charles and Sofia Pierman; sister Julia Sette.

 

A mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 9am Friday, December 21, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Church, Greenwich, NY, with the Rev. Martin Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at 1 pm in the St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery, 15 North Ave, Millbrook, NY, 12545.

 

Family and friends may call from 4-8 on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St, Greenwich, NY, 12834.

 

Donations in Elena’s name may be made to the Elena L. Bruning Memorial Fund at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market                         .

 

Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

 

 

 

 

Thursday
20
December

Visitation

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Flynn Bros Inc. - Greenwich
80 Main St
Greenwich, New York, United States
(518) 692-2680
Friday
21
December

Mass of a Christian Burial

9:00 am - 10:00 am
Friday, December 21, 2018
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Hill St
Grenwich, New York, United States
Friday
21
December

Interment

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Friday, December 21, 2018
St. Josephs Cemetery
15 North Ave
Millbrook, New York, United States