Brenda Argo Bruni

Hillsborough
Brenda Argo Bruni, of Hillsborough, N.C. died peacefully Friday, March 24, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on May 21, 1947, in Savannah, Georgia, to J.C. and Marcia Argo. She grew up in Toccoa, Georgia.
Brenda met her beloved husband, Francesco, on a post-graduation cruise. Despite the language barrier, they quickly fell in love and got married soon after. They moved to Italy (his native country) and lived there for three years. Brenda became immersed in the Italian culture and immediately became fluent in the language and cuisine thanks to the help of her eight sisters and brothers-in-law. Brenda and Frank moved back to the United States after becoming pregnant with their first child.
Brenda received her pre-med and medical technology bachelor's degree from Clemson University. She flourished in her career at Burroughs Welcome and Glaxo-Smith-Kline where she became department head of clinical data management. Brenda helped develop medicines that improved people's lives and led a work path of leadership, service and love. She retired in 1998 after more than thirty years with the company.
She continued her life of giving back through the Triangle Luncheon Civitan Club and Hillsborough Exchange Club. A friend said she had a "Servant's Heart", which she showed though the events and fundraisers she organized for area children and the community.
As a part of the Triangle Luncheon Civitan Club, Brenda became a leader immediately. Brenda served as president twice, secretary, board member, and chair of numerous committees and fundraising events. She became infamous for her sauce recipes at its spring spaghetti dinner fundraiser. For years, she was the Claxton Fruitcake Fundraiser Chair, both on the local and district Levels. Her Civitan awards included Rookie of the Year, Civitan of the Year, New Club Builder for NCDE, Honor Key Award, both on the local and district levels. She was presented four Fellowships to the International Research Center for research and treatment of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities(I/DD), which impact the lives of one in six people worldwide.
During her service with the Hillsborough Exchange Club, Brenda served as president, secretary, and board member. She was also a member and officer of the Hillsborough and District Exchangettes and on the Executive Board of the Exchange Club's Family Center of the Central Piedmont. She received several Exchange awards throughout her service including the Exchangite of the Year award and the Exchange Club's most prestigious award, the Book of Golden Deeds, presented for lifelong service to the community. She gave back to the community through the Exchange Club, supporting Orange Community Players, local FFA, and numerous local non-profits.
She also served as a chief precinct judge in Hillsborough, NC for the Orange County Board of Elections for over 20 years. She enjoyed seeing voters at every election and encouraged people to register.
Brenda loved flowers, cooking, attending plays, and being with people, especially family. She cherished her time with her two beautiful granddaughters, Cailey and Eliana. She attended every soccer game and dance recital possible and was their biggest cheerleader.
Brenda is survived by her husband Francesco "Frank" Bruni; children James "Jimmy" Bruni (Michelle) and Marsia "Nina" Sayre (Michael); grandchildren Cailey Bruni and Eliana Sayre; sisters Deryl McGuire (Michael) and Carol Denmark; sister-in-law Adua Borciani of Regio Emia, Italy and brother-in-law Ottavio Bruni of Lerici, Italy,and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday April 23, 2023 at Umstead Pines Golf & Swim Club, 253 Country Club Drive, Durham NC 27712 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Exchange Club's Family Center of the Central Piedmont at 200 North Main Street, Graham, NC 27253 (https://exchangefcp.com/get-involve/), or Civitan International Research Center (CIRC), PO Box 382857, Birmingham, AL 35258.