Patricia Claire Bruegger, 84, born August 1, 1929 in Lansing, Michigan, died November 10, 2013 in Bradenton, Florida where she lived for 33 years.
She was the daughter of William and Frances Haight. She loved to cook, sew and play cards. Pat and her husband Bob traveled extensively throughout all of the United States and parts of Canada. She was absolutely the most wonderful, loving and caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Pat is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Huntley Bruegger. Survivors include her son, Steve Bruegger of Sarasota, FL; daughter, Sandi Whitmill of Plant City, FL – granddaughter, Jennifer (Jonathan) Strickland – great granddaughters, Lola and Ella; son, Bill (& Jodi) Bruegger of Sylva, NC – granddaughter, Sarah; son, Mike (& Beth) Bruegger of New Port Richey, FL – grandson, Aaron and granddaughter Hannah; and two sisters, Marjory (& Mack) Hethorn of Lansing, MI and Judy (& Larry) Litterst of St. Cloud, MN.
A private funeral service will be held on December 16, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
Pat always realized that families have busy lives and schedules that do not allow for the togetherness as they did years ago. A quote so often repeated , "It's not the QUANTITY of time that is important, but rather the "QUALITY". Pat always wished that more Quality time could be spent with family and friends as we used to do in the past.
Please sign the guestbook below.
God be with the Bruegger family in your time of loss. May the Lord bring back to your mind many happy memories. Job 14:14
Really going to miss my mom.
I called her every Sunday morning at
9:30 just to talk. Sometimes about nothing
but every conversation we had I will never
forget. I wish I could have just one more.
Mom you will always be in the hearts of all of us kids. Both you and dad were great parents and to put up with all of us kids in our party times and also the times when we had problems you were always their for us. Will always remember the vacations in the tent and sitting around the campfires at night and then going to bed and waking up to an air mattress that was flat. Growing up was an experience sharing a room with Bill and Mike. Will never forget how Bill or Mike would rock there bunk beds until they collapsed. Then Sandy and her Baton as a majorette. I never could light the thing on fire and twirl it. The pictures we have saved will remind me of what a close family we are and will always be. Promise you we will stick together always but you will always bring a tear to our hearts when we think of you and dad. The one record in something you wrote and ended with is that you and dad are now “FOREVER TOGETHER”
Your # 1 Son Steve
I never met Pat, but through her son Steve I know she had to be terrific Mom,he always smiles when he speaks of her. Steve and his family have my sincere thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness.
Have fond memories of camping and good times together. Pat will be greatly missed by many.
We love you and miss you!
I feel like I know Pat because Steve works with me and has kept me up to date with the Bruegger Clan for years. She was a wonderful mother and
I know she is proud of all of you. God Bless!
I never had the honor of meeting Pat, but know she had to have been a wonderful person to have raised such a wonderful, devoted, loving son, Steve. I know he loved, respected and admired his Mom and his loving family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Roberta McCarthy
I miss my big sister so very much. Even though we were 18 years apart, we grew closer as we both aged. My most favorite picture is of her in her high school graduation gown holding me, a newborn baby. She was my babysitter, my confidant, my pseudo mother who came to sit by my side when my first baby was born, and my friend. I am so very grateful for the wonderful week we had together this last April. I never realized it would be our last time together. We both love you, Pat.
Mom – words could never express the loss of a mother; I remember our first meeting and the way you made me feel welcome in to your family! I loved the fact that you kept great records of everything and all the articles and recipes you clipped for us to use or see! You had the best laugh and if I close my eyes I can still hear it! :) You loved your children and grandkids and that was evident! I think of all the special things you made and passed down to them! Thanks for everything you did to raise a wonderful family!
Love – Beth, Mike, Hannah and Aaron
Auntie
I will miss hearing my V-mail with you saying “Hi Ann it’s your favorite Aunt Pat”
The memories of vacations in Battle Creek, putting on plays in the front room with all the kid’s.
There is peace in my heart knowing you are with Uncle Bob,Grandma and Grandpa Haight.
You will be the prettiest Angel wearing Tap shoes in Heaven stay on your feet and don’t fall out of the frame or trip over the gates in Heaven. Make the Haight girl’s proud.
I will miss you! hugs & kisses
Dear Family-
My prayers are with the whole family and those in Michigan and Minnesota. I have been a resident with Steve at Beneva Lakes Skilled Care Nursing Home and will never forget the picnics that Sandy and Steve would ask me to go on with Pat. She was so proud of her family. The first time I had met her I knew she was a great friend. She always made a point to stop by and see me each time she saw Steve. Helping Steve with flowers to give to Sandy I know every carnation I placed in the arrangement Steve had lots of memories of mom and dad.
Blessing to all
Karen Bone
Mom just to let you know tears are still flowing daily but now you and dad are together and with all the pictures the family has taken both of you will always be remembered. One thing being the holiday season I will never forget is the decorating of Christmas cookies and you hiding the cans of cookies you would hide from us kids. This year when I see the Candy Cane cookies it will bring back all the memories of fun and the happiness we all had especially going out to cut the tree down. I know the whole family will never forget hang one piece of tinsel at a time not handfuls. We Love ya Steve
“Forever together”–what wonderful sentiments for our most wonderful sister and brother. I agree with Steve that these last several days have brought forth many tearful moments, but also many smiles, hugs and an incredible closeness for us all. Pat, you would have been so proud of your family! You and Bob raised such a wonderful and loving family. It was such a joy and a comfort to be with all of them while we were in Florida. They are raising their children with the same love and closeness that you modeled. We looked at pictures, we reflected on your 84 years with us and shared endless stories. I always feel you are right here beside me and I cherish that so very much. We are also–in my heart–forever together.
Love from your Baby Sister