Obituary of Mary Ellen Bruno

Mary Ellen "Cindy" Bruno was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and wife. Survived by her devoted husband Robert Bruno of 44 years, her only daughter Erin Bruno, her mother Mary Dunn, and sisters Jackie Ullmann and Tammy Dunn. She is predeceased by her father Clint Dunn and brother Clint Dunn Jr.

Born in Newton, New Jersey, November 17, 1954, she called Hopatcong her home for the majority of her life as she was always inspired by the exquisite nature and history of Lake Hopatcong.

A strong, independent woman, she joined the military at age 18 (leaving with an honorable discharge). She worked at All American Crafts as a Proofreader and Editor for several magazine publications. She received her Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Sussex County Community College graduating with high honors. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and was awarded a prestigious writing award while at SCCC.

She was an extremely talented oil painter, short story writer, poet and journalist as well as an avid reader with the English skills akin to a professor. She loved children's literature and had a natural ability to inspire children of all ages. She tutored children and volunteered for the Hopatcong School System for over a decade.

A nurturing, generous and loving mother and friend to everyone she met, she created a warm and open home for her family and the outside world. She loved to cook and bake and decorate for the holidays. She enjoyed rock and classical music and the show "Jeopardy." She adored all animals, including her poodles Nippy, Paddy, Teddy and Bailey. She was also a talented photographer always taking photos of family and nature.

An inspiring, humble, kind, intelligent and courageous woman, she will be greatly missed by all who ever knew her. A patient listener to all, she touched many people's lives and was truly an angel in life as in death.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!"

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of her favorite quotes, it truly captures the life she lived.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Sussex County Community College Foundation

https://www.sussex.edu/about-sussex/college-foundation/

A private family ceremony to honor her life will be scheduled in the near future.