Mary C. Bruinsma

Mary C. Bruinsma, age 90, of Clear Lake, SD, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Estelline Care Center in Estelline, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Estelline, SD. Visitation will be Monday one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Estelline, SD. Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake, SD is entrusted with the arrangements
Mary Carol Bruinsma was born on December 30, 1934 to Edward and Clara (Bruner) Bruflat in Centerville, SD. She was raised in several areas in South Dakota as her father worked on the railroad. She attended several schools, graduating from Groton High School in Groton, SD in 1953.
Mary was united in marriage to Benard Bruinsma on June 5, 1954 in Brookings, SD. Following their marriage, they lived in Toronto, SD and Estelline, SD before moving to Clear Lake, SD. Mary worked at The Lanes as a cook for many years and later worked at EMPI. She also worked in the office at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Benard passed away in February of 1991. She continued to live in her home in Clear Lake before entering the assisted living in Clear Lake in 2020. She moved to the Estelline Care Center on September 25, 2023 where she passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the age of 90.
She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clear Lake where she was a member of the Altar Society. Mary was a breast cancer survivor and volunteered for the Deuel County Cancer Walk for many years. She relied on her faith to help her get through the tough times. She enjoyed playing Dominos and also doing water aerobics. While at the Estelline Care Center, Mary became active in the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Estelline where she enjoyed the friends she made there.
Mary is lovingly remembered by her three children: Clare (Bob) Miller, Theresa (Pete) Schake and Jonathon Bruinsma; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brother-in-law Bob Bruinsma; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons: Martin, Matthew and Edward and 11 siblings.