JUANITA SUSAN BRUCE

It is with profound sadness that we want to inform you that after a brief but courageous battle with a very aggressive return of cancer, Juanita Susan Bruce (nee Bragg) passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at her family log cabin by Pony Lake.
Juanita loved the outdoors and was happiest here, as well as at Killbear Park and the Bruce Trail.
Juanita is survived by her loving and supportive husband, Ian Bruce; devoted daughter, Alex Baxter; dear step-daughters, Natalie and Holly; her parents, David and Eileen Bragg; brother-in-law, Fraser; siblings, Danny (Cheryl), Karen (Gary), Bo (Leslie), Barry, Monique (Bill), and Ginger; 10 much-loved nieces and nephews; and her dog, Jake, and two cats, Sam and Lilly.
Juanita was born July 29, 1963 in Fort Frances, Ont., attending Mather Potts and Sturgeon Creek public schools, Fort Frances High School, Confederation College, and Humber College (Toronto), where she studied her passion, horticulture, and eventually became a passionate teacher in the Floral Design Program & Arborist Apprenticeship Program.
She also worked as a team with her husband, Ian, at their business, Bruce Tree Expert Company Ltd., where she will be desperately missed by Marilyn, Ron, Ian, Todd, and the operations of the team.
Juanita and Ian were together many years, and recently were married on June 27, 2008 at Toronto City Hall.
From Ian: Juanita was my best friend, my favourite person to work with at home and at Bruce Tree, my favourite companion to share life’s experiences and travel with, my confidante, my lover.
I will cherish memories of our journeys together from Toronto to Finland, Ont., and of our journey together over the past 14 years. The last kiss was as passionate as the first. I love you.
Juanita loved life and lived it to its fullest. She was passionate about all aspects of her life: her career in horticulture and as an arborist, her teaching, and especially all of the people she loved.
Even once diagnosed, Juanita remained positive, and had the strength and courage to comfort and support all of her family and friends.
Juanita had the gift of making everyone feel special and very loved. She judged no one. Her family agrees that “she was the best of us.” She taught us how to love, and how to be strong despite the challenges life presented her.
She was our teacher of life, and we must now carry on without her. She filled our minds and, of course, our hearts. So we venture forth, hurting because of our loss, but knowing that her love has strengthened us that we may face it as boldly as she did.
Juanita, we love you, we miss you, but most of all we thank you for all that you have given us.
Every universe has its “brightest” star; we lost that star today. Juanita lived her life on her terms; she was determined and stood by her high moral code and expectations of others. She was a role model to all who knew her. Those that knew her loved and deeply admired her.
Juanita, we will never forget you, and will love you always. We are so grateful for the time we were able to share with you.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 17, 2008 from 7-9 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont.
Juanita will be interred Friday, July 18, 2008 by graveside service from 2-3 p.m. at the Finland Cemetery in Finland.
Following the service, everyone is invited to a gathering at the home of her brother, Dan Bragg, just further east down Lampi Road, from 3-5 p.m.
If you wish to honour Juanita’s life, we ask that you love everyone without reservation and be joyful! Each day is an incredible gift.
We also suggest that in lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations be made to either the Tamarack House in Thunder Bay, Ont. or the Salvation Army-Toronto Grace Palliative Care Unit, 650 Church St., Toronto, Ont., M4Y 2G5.