JoAn Bradley Brueggeman

JoAn Brueggeman and her twin brother John were born to H.A. and Ouina Bradley on January 12, 1930, in Big Spring, Texas. Her father was in the oil business, so the family moved quite often throughout Texas. They lived in Big Spring, Benavides, Hebbronville, Crockett, Beaumont and Galena Park. She attended 10 schools in 11 years graduating from Galena Park HS, Class of ’47. JoAn was always proud to have been in the Founder’s Club at the University of St. Thomas having been a member of the initial graduating class in 1951. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry she landed a job at a steel foundry working the wet chemistry in the lab.

She met Wesley L. Brueggeman at this job in 1956 and they were married at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on April 12, 1958. They built a new home in southeast Houston, and she lived there the rest of her life. Their first child was born on April 20, 1959, and named her Teresa Rose.

Later came Matthew born September 15, 1960, Joseph was born on May 8, 1962, and finally Philip came along on February 16, 1964. She was also very close to the 4 sons born to her twin brother as well as her younger sister Ruth who had 3 boys and 3 girls.

JoAn never met a stranger. Her primary hobby of wood carving was a passion she developed as a child. Everybody knew JoAn was an excellent and very prolific wood carver. She easily made a thousand carvings throughout her life. She was a founding member of the Houston Area Wood Carvers and remained active as long as she was able to hold a knife and piece of wood.

Sadly, in early 2021, she developed signs of dementia. Her youngest son, Philip eventually moved into her home and took care of her full time until January of this year. Tragically, Philip passed away very suddenly only 4 days after JoAn was admitted to the hospital. She was eventually admitted to Houston Hospice. The nursing and counseling staff at Houston Hospice took excellent and compassionate care of her. Our family is very grateful for their care of our mother. JoAn transitioned from this life to the next on February 7, 2024. She is survived by 3 of her children, Teresa, Matthew and Joseph, her little sister Kathleen “Kay” McNeill as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her remains will be cremated. A joint Roman Catholic Mass will be held for JoAn and her devoted son Philip on Friday, February 23, 2024, at St. Augustine Catholic Church located at 5438 Laurel Creek Way, Houston, TX 77017. A visitation will take place starting at 9:30 am followed by a Mass at 11:00 am.