Bruna Watts

Bruna Lenzi was born on August 5, 1932 in Washington, DC. She was the only child of Italian Immigrants Silvo and Erina Lenzi. She was raised in The Columbia Heights neighborhood, where her father owned and operated an electrical motor repair shop and her mother was a homemaker.

Growing up, Bruna attended Washington, DC public schools, including Central High School, which she graduated from in 1950. While there, she met and then married, Relice F. Watts (Bob) in 1951. The couple lived next door to Bruna’s parents while saving for a home of their own. After graduating high school, Bruna worked for The Bureau of Printing of Printing and Engraving as a drafts person before becoming a homemaker. From the 1970’s until the 1990’s, Bruna also found success selling Avon products. Her husband went to work as an electrician–a career he would continue until 1989.

Bruna and Relice welcomed three children. Marie in 1954, Robert in 1956, and Cathy in 1969. In 1959, the couple moved into a home in Tenleytown, where she would continue to happily reside until her passing. Over 65 years, she made numerous close friends in her neighborhood. Her home's backyard became famous around the neighborhood for its hundreds of daylilies in many colors and varieties. In recent years, she and her family especially appreciated her next door neighbors who checked on her and helped take care of her and her beloved home.

In 1959, Bruna formed another lasting relationship joining the St. Columba’s Episcopal Church parish. She was active in the church’s altar guild until her death. She and members of her family actively participated in church life, joining in everything from service projects to the baking the church’s locally renowned shortbread cookies.

After Bruna’s husband retired in 1989, they set out to see the world. They traveled extensively in the United States. And they traveled abroad, seeing China, Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Turkey, and Russia. With the arrival of their grandchildren, they became doting grandparents. They showed their grandchildren the history of Washington and its landmarks–many of which Relice helped to build during his long career. They took great joy from family gatherings, regularly hosting all of their children and grandchildren for holidays.

In 2001, Bruna and Relice gathered all of their friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate their 50th anniversary. They were parted in 2002, with Relice’s passing, after 51 years of marriage.

Bruna passed away peacefully on the evening of January 31, 2025 in the presence of her family. She leaves behind her 3 children, 2 grandchildren (Andrew and Amanda), and 2 great grandchildren (Avery and Chloe).

To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a memorial service will be held in her honor at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church on Monday, February 10. Service at 11 AM with viewing 60 minutes prior. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Columba’s Altar Guild and Music Programs, causes deeply important to Bruna.