Denise Lyn Bruce, 60, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2023, with her loving family by her side. Denise was born on August 4, 1962, in Akron, Ohio to her parents John and Marcella (Hawkins) Washburn. After graduating high school, Denise earned a bachelor’s degree and went on to make an engineering career at The Ohio State University. Denise married Robert Bruce, to whom she remained happily married until the day of his passing. Together they raised and loved their daughter Brianna Cumana. Denise leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Brianna (Alex) Cumana and their daughter Camila; mother Marcella Washburn; and sister Janet (Bob) Tolar. Denise joins in the eternal rest of heaven her husband Robert Bruce and father John Washburn. She was be dearly missed.
Denise was a devout Catholic and a registered parishioner of the Church of the Ascension Catholic Church in Johnstown, Ohio. She was deeply devoted to her husband Robert, the two were virtually inseparable. Denise was a loving, quirky, and passionate woman. She was brilliant and in love with her profession, specifically radio frequency. She was involved with infant stages of WiFi as well as developing microchips. Keeping in step with her love of science, she was an avid reader of Sci-fi novels and cosplayed Steampunk. Denise is also survived by her loving companion Fred Niehaus. They loved spending time together, especially on road trips, tech conventions and going to swap meets.
Denise loved to camp, relishing the natural extravagance of the outside world. She knitted just about anything one could knit. She was a wild soul, loved to party and even vinted grapes with exceptional skill. She loved animals, always had pets and sadly leaves behind her little dog, Luna. Beyond all else, Denise loved her family, especially her granddaughter Camila. Denise went so far as to purchase a second home in Virginia so she would be closer to and have more opportunities to visit with her. Denise was a well-loved and loving person who lived by faith and led by example. Her passing came far too soon but the impression on the lives she touched was profound and indelible. She faced the hardship of death with grace and strength which is a testament to who she was all her life. Now she lives at the feet of The Lord, free of pain and ever watching her beloved family from the comfort of heaven.
Friends may call at DeVore Snyder Funeral Home in Sunbury, Ohio Monday August 6, 2023, from 4PM to 6PM. A funeral Mass of Cremation was be held at The Church of the Ascension Catholic Church in Johnstown, Ohio Tuesday August 9, 2023, at 11AM. All are welcome to attend. An inurnment was take place at the Ohio Western National Reserve Cemetery next to her husband Robert shortly after services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Denise’s memory to the Bat Conservation International Fund https://action.batcon.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1500&mfc_pref=T&1500.donation=form1
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