Margaret "Meg" Elizabeth Bruynell

Margaret was the oldest of four sisters as was “Meg” in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. This inspired her beloved nickname of “Meg”.

Meg graduated from Hamilton High School in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. She received her Psychiatric Technician training at the New Jersey Neuropsychiatric Institute in Princeton. She moved to San Jose, California in 1961 where she was employed by the State of California at Agnew State Hospital for 29 years, beginning her career as a Psychiatric Technician and ending it as a Developmental Specialist. During this period she served a term as President of the local chapter of the California State Employee Association (CSEA).

Following her retirement in 1991, Meg joined Bobbie for the next 14 years in their Income Tax Practice in downtown Fremont, California.

In November 1994 Meg and Bobbie were among the Founding Members of The Lavender Seniors of the East Bay. Meg continued to serve on their Advisory Board until her severe illness confined her to home.

On Bobbie’s 70th Birthday, the couple decided that, since the opportunity of marriage was not available to them, they would celebrate their relationship with a commitment ceremony. Then when the State of California briefly allowed same sex marriage, with Meg’s 70th birthday approaching on August 10th 2008, her 34 year domestic partner (Bobbie Jarvis) suggested they take advantage of the opportunity to get married. And so they did! Meg’s family flew in from New Jersey, Southern California, and Arizona joining almost 100 friends to witness the official tying the knot.

Meg is survived by her loving spouse, Bobbie; one son, Jeff Jarvis (wife Lisa), four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her three sisters: Jacqueline Itnyre of Port Hueneme, California; Carole Moraitis (husband Nick) of New Jersey and Barbara Dilatush (husband Donald) of New Jersey; loads of nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. She adored them all and learned the “cheers” for several sports! She attended many games in the cities around California until she was “benched” with her illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either (1) The Tides Center/Lavender Seniors (1395 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577 – or go to the website at http://wwwlavenderseniors.org) and follow the directions for donations or (2) Angel Hospice (731 A Street, Suite 207, Hayward, CA 94541). Cell phone for questions

510-612-1508 - Bobbie

Services will be held at the Lima Family Mortuary, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539 at 1:00 pm Thursday 3/31/11. Call 408-263-2868 with questions or for directions.