of Litttle Rock, AR
January 11, 2013
Dolores Fay Bruce, 83, of Little Rock died January 11, 2013. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 18th, in the Lucy Lockett Festival Theatre at Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett F. and Sally F. Montgomery of Port Arthur, Texas, and she is survived by her husband Dr. Thomas A. Bruce; by two children: Thomas Karr Montgomery Bruce of Niles, Michigan, and Dana Fee Thomas of Little Rock; by four grandchildren: Bruch Allen Thomas, Annah Wendy Thomas, Christopher Andrew Thomas, and Amy Irene Bruce; and by her sister, Anita Higginbotham of Columbus, Ohio.
She was born in Merryville, Louisiana, but grew up in Port Arthur, Texas where she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She attended Lamar Junior College, North Texas State University, and was certified in medical technology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. For two years she worked in the clinical laboratories there before moving to employment in the University of Oklahoma Hospital and later to the Texas Children's Hospital clinical lab in Houston. In 1955 she moved to Dallas to work at Parkland Memorial Hospital and was serving as research technologist in the Department of Obstetrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, when she met her future husband who was a cardiopulmonary fellow there.
After marriage in 1960 the couple moved for a year to London, England, where she served as a research technician at the Central Middlesex Hospital while Dr. Bruce trained as a cardiac research fellow at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School. On return to America they lived for seven years in Detroit where her husband was on the faculty of Wayne State University. Their two children were born there, and Mrs. Bruce worked in the Detroit Blood Bank. In 1968 the family moved to Oklahoma City where Dr. Bruce became the Head of Cardiology at the University of Oklahoma and Mrs. Bruce because a licensed real estate agent.
In 1974 she moved to Little Rock when Dr. Bruce became the dean of the University of Arkansas Medical School. Mrs. Bruce became deeply involved in the Faculty Wives Cub, the Winfield Methodist Chancel Choir, and the Arkansas Opera Theatre. She immersed herself in support for the public schools and was president of the Hall High School PTA. When in 1985 Dr. Bruce was appointed the Program Director at the W.K. Kellog Foundation in recognition of his national leadership in rural health, the family moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. During their 10 years there, Mrs. Bruce served on the Community Hospital Auxiliary and on the Battle Creek Symphony Board where she was president of the Symphony Guild.
After returning to Little Rock in 2005, Ms. Bruce served for three years on the Little Rock Arts and Culture Commission and has been continuously on the Board of Directors of Wildwood Parks for the Arts where the 'Dodi Tea House' is named in her honor. She is a member of the St. James United Methodist Church.
Over the past few years she has received a number of honors and awards: the Special Appreciation Award and the Janet Pearcy Ambassador Award from Wildwood Park, the Double Helix Award from UAMS, the Spirit of Central High Award from Little Rock Central High School Museum, the Giving Tree Society award of the Arkansas Community Foundation, Care Link's David Pryor Award for Community Service, and the President's Award as Philanthropist of the Year by the Arkansas Chapter of the Americal Society of Professional Fundraisers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dolores Bruce Memorial Fund at the Arkansas Community Foundation, 1400 W. Markham St., Little Rock 72201.
Arrangements made by Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211. (501) 224-8300
Sign Guestbook
14 Condolence(s)
Ann Leek
Friday, January 18, 2013
I really enjoyed the few special occasions when I got to talk on the phone with Dolores. I would have called to to speak with Dr. Bruce or her about something having to do with LifeQuest, or before that, CareLink. She and I would spend a few minutes on the subject matter, but then she was always open to spending a bit more time in casual conversation, more like friend to friend. I loved her relaxed, personal style. She was clearly so involved in many aspects of her community, yet she never sounded rushed or disinterested. I will never forget her open, friendly way.
Ann Leek
Friday, January 18, 2013
I really enjoyed the few special occasions when I got to talk on the phone with Dolores. I would have called to to speak with Dr. Bruce or her about something having to do with LifeQuest, or before that, CareLink. She and I would spend a few minutes on the subject matter, but then she was always open to spending a bit more time in casual conversation, more like friend to friend. I loved her relaxed, personal style. She was clearly so involved in many aspects of her community, yet she never sounded rushed or disinterested. I will never forgot her open, friendly way.
anne p. sims
Friday, January 18, 2013
dear tom,dana and monty...how i will always remember dolores with the fondest thoughts......we were close for many years through thick and thin....my condolences to all of you and let her beautiful life be of great comfort in days to come. fondly, anne
Roger H. & Cynthia M. Sublett
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Our entire family extend our deepest sympathy to Tom and the Bruce family. Tom and Delores were both dear friends and colleagues during the time that our lives intersected in Battle Creek, MI through out work with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Delores was a formidable force in the community and particularly in the arts. Her creative energy and talent will be missed by all of us who knew her! Tom, we share your sense of loss and please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Alice and Lisa
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Dana, Tim and Famiky,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. We pray for God's peace and comfort to surround you.
Carnie Campbell
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
My condolences to Dr. Bruce and the family...my prayers and thoughts are with them.
Carnie Campbell
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
My condolences to Dr. Bruce and the family...my prayers and thoughts are with them.
Dennis Lucy, MD
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Mrs. Bruce made a major contribution to the development of the University of Ark. College of Medicine while Dr. Bruce was dean.
Krea Gregory
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Dr. Bruce & Family:
I was saddened to read of Mrs. Bruce's death. She was a lovely lady. I pray for comfort and peace for you and the family. May the LORD and your many wonderful memories sustain you during this time of grieving.
Krea Kier Gregory
Celeste and Bill Etheridge
Monday, January 14, 2013
Dearest Tom and Family, Bill and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Delores was a special lady, her absence will be felt by many people. May you all find peace and comfort in the days ahead as you reflect and celebrate her life. Thinking of you all.
Ann M McKinstry
Monday, January 14, 2013
Dr. Bruce,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your wife. My sincerest sympathy to you, your children and your grandchildren. I think of you often and will keep you in prayer.
Marsha & Mike Tadlock
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Wonderful dear lady who will be missed by all of her family, friends
and neighbors. May she rest peacefully with our Lord and Savior.
Our heartfelt blessings to Tom and family.
Dr & Mrs H F "Bunny" Brown, III
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Dear Tom and family,
June and I wish to send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your sweet wife Delores. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Dr. & Mrs. H F "Bunny" Brown, III
Dr & Mrs H F "Bunny" Brown, III
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Dear Tom and family,
June and I wish to send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your sweet wife Delores. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Dr. & Mrs. H F "Bunny" Brown, III