LaVerne Catherine Bruce

B. November 4, 1932 — D. February 13, 2025

LaVerne Catherine Winnicki was born in Perth Amboy, NJ, November 4, 1932. LaVerne was, in her own words, an unwanted child, living a joyless existence. She could not wait to move away from home and did so without much money, education or skills. It was a difficult time, but she never looked back. She was briefly married to Valentine J. Bruce (or Bruc.)

LaVerne was determined to improve her life. With encouragement from friends and a lot of psychological therapy, she eventually got a BS degree at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT with a double major: Library Science, Science, Literature and a Minor in Psychology. She was also exposed to the ARTS by Yale University’s free public lectures of the time, and from there, never stopped pursuing knowledge. She moved to NYC in the early 60's and had several careers: Reference Librarian, Researcher, Administrator. Mid Careers she did Graduate work in Anthropology.

During this time, Pasquale Nardo (Pat) became her partner. He was a Civil Engineer, and the relationship lasted over 60 years, until he died of dementia at age 97. He was supportive, enriched her life and “…also made me a better person. Those were the best years of my life.” They enjoyed living in Manhattan and took advantage of what the City offered. They were members of MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), and attended sporting events though she admitted she was clueless about sports. They went to several Olympics, traveled to major cities in the United States and visited about 15 National Parks in the USA. She did a great deal of traveling abroad as well, by herself, or with Pat: Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Morocco. In Europe: England, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, and Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia.

LaVerne retired early and became a professional volunteer in Manhattan, including Carnegie Hall for about 25 years. She was a Docent at a few museums: “One of the perks was getting a museum pass that allowed us free entry to most museums, including the Louvre, in Paris.”

The last stage of her life was at RIVER LANDING at Sandy Ridge, Assisted Living, in North Carolina. There, she experienced professional care and a caring, kind staff.

Through her life, LaVerne never stopped learning, relentlessly pursuing knowledge to the end.

“While parts of my life were tough, most of it was very good. But I lived my life on my terms, with no regrets.”

LaVerne Catherine W. Bruce B. November 4, 1932 — D. February 13, 2025

She is survived by several cousins.