Mary Elizabeth Bruso

Born 15 August 1933 Van Buren County, Arkansas

Died 21 March 2025 Livingston, Texas

Age 91

Mary was the fourth of five children born to Dr. Aaron McMillan Emmons and his wife Beatrice Vivian Emmons. She lost her father at a young age and she grieved for him her entire life. She attended school in Scotland Arkansas, graduating in 1949. She then attended the St. Vincent’s Hospital school of Nursing but left without receiving her diploma to marry Joseph M. Bruso in1952. They made their first home at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico. Mary travelled the world with Joe as he moved from post to post and progressed his military career. Joe retired for the USAF in 1970 and Mary came to live in the home she lived in for the next 55 years. She recommenced her nursing career, becoming an LVN, then an RN, and completed her education with a baccalaureate degree from UT Medical Branch, Galveston.

Mary had many talents outside of being a respected and loved nurse. She became a certified Red Cross Nurse, obtained a master gardener qualification from the Texas State Extension Service. She had many friends and a vibrant church life at Sunset UMC. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Mary retired from MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1996 and spent her retirement travelling the world and enjoying her friends and family.

Mary is predeceased by her husband Joe (2000), son Joseph (2022), son Jeff (1986) daughter Kathryn (2023).

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Bruso Campbell of Ayton, Scotland and her son in law Alan Campbell. She leaves four special grand children Stephen, Joanna, Susanna, Ben and three great grandchildren. Also many beloved nieces and nephews who loved her for her generosity, lovingkindness, and wisdom.

Mary’s family would like to give special thanks to her devoted home helpers, Emily Gonzales and Valerie Martinez as well as the staff of Country Place Memory Care and Olive Branch Hospice in Livingston Tx for their loving care during the last days of Mary’s life. Many thanks to those who have sent prayers and words of comfort and peace.

Family flowers only please.

Donations may be made in Mary Bruso’s Memory to Dementia charities, The American Red Cross, or a charity of your choice.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023.