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Elizabeth Bruce Obituary
Born June 18, 1944 in New London, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Ansel and Marjorie (Gray) Coats, formerly of North Stonington. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister.
She is survived by three sons, Marshall T. Wilkinson and wife Donna, of North Stonington, Jon W. Wilkinson and wife Kim, of Voluntown, and James A. Bruce and wife Deanna, of North Stonington; five grandchildren, Jamie Wilkinson and wife Kristin, of Voluntown, Dylan Wilkinson, of Voluntown, Michael J., Nathan R. and Weston W. Bruce, all of North Stonington; and two great-grandchildren, Brandon T. and Brooke Elizabeth Wilkinson, of Voluntown. She also leaves two step-children, Lori and Robert Bruce and their families in Georgetown, Ky.; and five sisters, Anita Ames, Audrey Gruber, Marilyn Taylor and Sheryl Nardi, all of North Stonington, and Gayle Williams, of Ashaway, R.I.; and her brother Ansel "Wayne" Coats also of North Stonington.
Elizabeth loved to sing and play her music on her piano and her guitar. At an early age she started voice lessons at Mary Langdon's of Mystic. She sang at talent shows, church functions and at weddings. In 1979, she rededicated her life to the Lord and used her music to spread the word of God. She pursued her love of gospel music and wrote close to 100 songs, two of which were recorded in Nashville, Tenn.
Her loving and gentle nature allowed her to care for many family members and also the local elderly at the later stages of their lives. She loved horses and enjoyed going to the North Stonington Fair.
Most of all, she loved her husband and loved watching her grandchildren grow.
There will be calling hours on Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly, R.I. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Burial will be at the Wheeler Cemetery, North Stonington, Conn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Wheeler High School Activity Fund, Attn: Music Dept., 298 Norwich Westerly Rd., North Stonington, CT 06359.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Bruce
May 30, 2012
I have clicked in this box several times in the past few days looking for words strong and gentle enough to convey some little comfort... and have left feeling inadequate...I try again......
There are so many of Biddy's family to think of ....
Growing up next to, and with her family I have had the privilege of knowing her sisters, Anita, Audrey, Gayle, Marilyn,Sherie and brother, Wayne and plus their spuoses and their children. I also have had the privilege of knowing Jim, and Jamie, and Biddy's sons Todd and Jon.
To each and every one of you I want you to know that I wish I could carry a little of your grief for you.
This lady was kind and gentle and will leave a spot impossible to fill by any other. So fill that spot with many happy memories of her kindness, her love, her laughter and her beautiful music,....and she will live on in your hearts.
Biddy was a special lady who was surrounded by special people and I was blessed to have been touched by so many of you. Thank you all for what you have given to me.
Love,
Ellie Banker
May 29, 2012
Sherry,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Nancy Jennerwein
Mary J. Arnold
May 25, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Elizabeth's passing. I have many fond memories of her and her kind nature. God bless her and my deepest sympathy to Jim and her family.
May 25, 2012
I'll always remember the good times our family had at the Coats' farm in the summer. Cousin Biddy would give us rides on Soldier, the family horse. Biddy called me after my son, Adam, died and was very sweet and loving. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family. Kathy Schneiderman
May 25, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Doug and Debbie McGowan
Ellen (Tough) Ockert
May 24, 2012
In October 2008, Elizabeth and I shared some gospel songs at the church in Clark's Falls. I had come back for a visit and stayed an extra Sunday to enjoy The Puffers Musical Ministry. She played the piano and we sang. I was blessed to have had prayer with her before we left. I truly enjoyed hearing her sing and that day is still special to me. God Bless her family and the Lord be with them during this time.
Bob & Jody (Collins) Whipple
May 24, 2012
To the Bruce, Wilkinson, Coats Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and always.
The Spiers Family
May 24, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Bruce Family. Our town has lost some very valuable members of our community this year, and Mrs. Bruce undoubtedly ranked very high among the best of them. You are all in our thoughts.
Rosemary Sutton
May 24, 2012
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Murphy
May 23, 2012
To the Wilkinson-Bruce families;
Take comfort in your memories and let God do the rest. Biddy is watching over you all. My deepest sympathies to you in this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lyd and Brian Neugent
May 23, 2012
Dearest Elizabeth, you never wanted us to call you Biddie, I remember that. We had many good times, good laughs and so very much enjoyed your company, your wit, wisdom and your beautiful talents. We shared a love of horses and good friends. I will never forget the "round table times" at the farm and at the fairs and shows. We will always be grateful to Lyn for introducing us to you.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us. You will be greatly missed.
Amanda Moore
May 23, 2012
Dear Bruce Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all!! You will be in our thoughts.
Love the Moore family
Trene' Galluci
May 23, 2012
My heart goes out to the entire family. This news really struck me and brought me back to my childhood at the the restuarant. I knew Biddy as a friend of the family for many years. She would come in for her cup of coffee and talk and laugh with my family and other "regular" customers. She was always friendly and smiling. I will pray for Jim, Jamie and the entire family to find comfort during this difficult time.
Carol Burdick
May 23, 2012
Biddy, we all had more fun then a barrel of monkeys. She was a true and honest life time friend of mine and loved by all.She was a song to everyone's heart. She loved life. She and Jim were blessed with each other and their sons were their life. Grand Children and Great-Children was loved deeply by both. For a good many years she sang to the Angels and now she is singing with them and that alone will make beautiful music for all. If at any time you want to see her Look up to the sky she will be there. Jim, your sons will take care of you until God calls you to be with Biddy. You have a beautiful family that will see you through the sorrow and Biddy's passing. God doesn't give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given. Biddy is safe in God's hands and she will be at peace. As we go through life we must remember that Every Day is a Gift.
Her entire family is blessed by God. Biddy, I will keep praying for Jim and your family until we meet again.
Your greatest friend's
Carol Burdick
Judie Loudenback and of course C.J.
Grant & Bernice Williams
May 23, 2012
Dear Family of "Biddy', I wish to send our deepest sympathy. She was a special person and brought joy to many people.
Lyn Odom
May 23, 2012
The sun shown a little less brightly Monday, with the passing of Bitty. She's one of the lovliest people I've ever met and my heart breaks with her passing. She was a true friend in the purest sense and so very kind. I never heard her say a single negative thing about another person, nor a foul word pass her lips. She was as lovely as the roses she loved so much. Beautiful inside and out Bitty had a lovely heart, a darling sense of humor and enough love to go round to family and friends as well. Rest well beauty ... rest well.
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