Sybil C. Bruce

On July 16, 2025, Sybil Claudette Bruce, beloved sister, mother and "Nina" to her family, gently closed her eyes for the final time. She was 90 years old.
Sybil was born on April 10, 1935, in Ware, Massachusetts, the daughter of Gordon Henry Bishop and Olive E. (Kelly) Young. She spent her younger years in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, and was a graduate of North Brookfield High School. She went on to attend the David Hale Fanning Girls' Trade School in Worcester, which prepared her for a career as a surgical technician.
Sybil's first full-time position was at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester. After many years there, she accepted a position at Marlborough Hospital. During this time, her impeccable skillset in the operating theatre did not go unnoticed. She was proud to serve as a personal scrub nurse for Gerald Schultz a prominent eye surgeon in Worcester area who placed his trust in her procedural expertise.
In 1954, Sybil and her husband, Robert E. Bruce, made their home in Northborough. There, they raised their young family and, with a desire to help others, became longtime volunteers in the community. Both Sybil and Bob served as EMTs with the Northborough Fire Department Ambulance. While Bob volunteered as a Firefighter, Sybil was an active member of the Northborough Firebelles, providing meals and supplies to firefighters during active fires.
Upon retirement, Sybil and Bob moved to New Bern, N.C. There, they remained active in the fellowship and ministries of Christ Episcopal Church. Sybil found purpose in the church's prayer shawl ministry, Cursillo and helping find shelter, food and clothing for the Bosnian refugees that came to the New Bern area. Each year, the couple looked forward to traveling north to spend summers at Pout & Trout Campground in Rutland, Massachusetts.
After Bob's passing, Sybil relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee and then to her final home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She loved to dance and cherished being involved in her family's many activities. Sybil looked forward to every visit and was happiest surrounded by loved ones. Faithful to the core and always selfless, she consistently put the needs of others ahead of her own. Simply put, she was a wonderful mom and Nina.
Surviving Sybil are her children, James R. Bruce and wife Natalie of Northborough, MA, Darlene L. Bruce Laverdure of Oak Ridge, TN, Brother Robert Bishop of East Brookfield, twelve grandchildren, twenty three great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bob and grandson, Matthew Bruce, preceded Sybil in death.
Following a private service, Sybil will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers donations to Compassionate Care ALS P.O Box 1052 West Falmouth, Mass 02574, CCALS.org in memory of Matthew Bruce
Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532. To leave an online condolence for her family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.