Barbara Brueckner

Barbara Brueckner was born on July 25, 1951 in Newark, NJ to Colleen and Richard Brueckner. She passed away on February 28, 2026 at the age of 74 in Seattle, WA. She grew up in Florham Park, NJ and graduated from Hanover Park HS and received a B.A. in French Literature from NYU. She lived in San Francisco, CA and Portland, OR before settling in Port Hadlock, WA.

Barbara was married to Paul Sireci. They lived in CA as well as a year in Australia. They divorced but always stayed good friends throughout life. She later married Bart Fugate who predeceased her in 2008. In her later years she met her good friend Pat Powell who helped her get around in her final days in Port Hadlock.

Everyone who knew Barbara loved her quick wit and sense of humor. She remained curious and mentally active up to her last day. Throughout her career Barbara was an interpreter in NYC, executive secretary at both Crystal Geyser in CA and Portland Community College in OR. Barbara was an expert gardener and took many courses in horticulture. Her gardens were all spectacular wherever she lived, including a half-acre antique rose garden in OR and 90 rhododendrons of all varieties in WA.

Barbara loved to travel and her trips included all of Europe, China, and Egypt as well as a year living in Melbourne Australia.

Barbara had recently worked part-time at the Humane Society of Jefferson County. She loved her cats and had many over the years. She was particularly fond of Bella and Pi, both of whom will find good homes with the help of her friends at the Humane Society.

She is survived by her brother and sister in-law, Richard and Laurie Brueckner, her sister, Susan Bruckner, and her nephews, Eric (and wife Paula) and Cameron Brueckner, Evan Coulter (and wife Cynthia), her niece, Sydnie Brueckner (and husband Matt Russell) and her grand nephew, Greyson Russell and her grand niece, Leah Brueckner.

Barbara has requested no memorial service and her ashes will be spread over the ocean. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Humane Society of Jefferson County, PO Box 845, Port Hadlock, WA, 98339.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the family.