Bonita (Bachmann) Bruce

Bonita Marie (Bachmann) Bruce, age 88, passed away peacefully in Highlands on January 27, 2019. Born in Miami, FL on August 9, 1930, Bonita was introduced to Highlands when she met and married the love of her life, William Michael (Bill) Bruce in 1949.

They purchased a cabin in Horse Cove in 1954, and her lifelong love affair with the mountains began. After raising their seven children, Bill and Bonita retired to Horse Cove in 1993, and together enjoyed their dream until his passing in 2001.

She is deeply mourned and will be forever missed by their four daughters and three sons: Bonnie Bruce of Highlands; Michael Bruce (and wife, Rebecca) of Jacksonville, FL; Patrick Bruce of Denver, CO; Susan Gullion (and husband, Bo) of Travelers Rest, SC; Kelly Bruce of Highlands; Lori Fields (and husband, Adam) of Greer, SC; and Tracy Wilber (and husband, Jack) of Simpsonville, SC.

Her fourteen grandchildren, who filled her days with love, joy, and pride, are Nick, Rachael, Andy, William, Charlie, Amanda, Mason, Lily, Grace, Emily, Max, Walt, Erin, and Beckett.

She also leaves a beloved sister, Margie Shambaugh of Highlands, and sister-in-law, Mary Ada Bachmann of Palm City, FL; many nephews and nieces; and cherished lifelong friends and neighbors.

Bonita was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Highlands, where she served as Eucharistic Minister, florist, and dedicated volunteer.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Bonita at Our Lady of the Mountains on Friday, February 8th at one p.m., followed by a reception in the social hall. A private interment will be held in Horse Cove Cemetery at a later date, when her large family will gather to share the inexpressible gift of love she was, and always will be, in each of their lives.

Online condolences may be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Bruce family.

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