Florence L. Bruning

Florence Elaine Lucas Bruning, age 95, of Elmira, NY passed on Thursday, August 4th, 2016.Florence was born May 14th, 1921 in St. Johns, NFLD to the late Beatrice and Ernest Lucas. She moved to the USA at age 2 and became a naturalized citizen at age 21.She married William H. Bruning, an aeronautical engineer, in 1950.He predeceased her in 2002.She is survived by daughter, Ruth Elizabeth of Elmira; son, William E. with wife, Bette of Orono, Minnesota, and their children Stephen, Colin and Melinda.She is also survived by her sister, Ruth (Robert) Levin and brother, Edward Kenneth (Cathi) Lucas as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. A graduate of John Jay Memorial HS in Brooklyn, NY, she held secretarial positions at the Columbia Broadcasting Company, The Christian Science Monitor, and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. After they were married, Bill and Florence took lessons in ballroom dancing as well as square and round dancing…a hobby they enjoyed for many, many years. Upon retirement, they moved to Elmira, NY. They became docents at the Arnot Art Museum in Elmira and then the Rockwell Museum in Corning.They also volunteered at the National Soaring Museum and The Clemens Center.Bill started the duplicate bridge club at West Elmira Library with Florence as his partner. Florence and Bill were active participants in each other’s church activities.Florence was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA with membership in local branch churches in Massapequa, NY then Elmira.Bill was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadow, NY then the First Presbyterian Church in Elmira. There will be no calling hours.A private service will be held at a later date.In honor of Florence’s love for the arts and education, memorials may be sent to a museum or arts organization of your choice. Florence’s guest book may be signed at www.olthof.com.