Margaretta Lillian Bruce

Margaretta Lillian Bruce (nee, Gardiner), the youngest of five children, entered the Lord’s loving embrace on November 20, 2022. Margaretta, known fondly by all as “Midge,” was born September 20, 1937, in Riviera Beach, Maryland. In fact, Midge spent her entire life in the family home except for the past few years when Alzheimer’s disease necessitated around the clock care for her at Hammonds Lane Nursing Center.

Midge loved baking, and no family event was complete without her famous yellow pound cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. She always said that the secret was “good” ingredients, such as Domino sugar, Gold Medal flour, and real butter. At Christmas, family and friends always looked forward to receiving a plate of her delicious cookies. Midge also loved her dogs, especially her English setter Ike. An avid reader, Midge devoured many genres of books in her lifetime. In addition, Midge enjoyed singing and was blessed with a beautiful voice. While attending Glen Burnie High School, she landed a part in the operetta H.M.S. Pinafore. Another of Midge’s hobbies was dabbling in family ancestry. Long before Ancestry.com, Midge was able to trace her family heritage back to County Roscommon and the town of Castlerea in Ireland. Above and beyond all the things Midge loved, including her family, friends, dogs and hobbies, those who knew Midge could testify that her first and true love, which never wavered through the years, was singer Perry Como. Midge was not shy about sharing her infatuation with the singer and even kept his life-sized cardboard cutout near the family piano, giving a glimpse of her lighthearted nature. Midge had an infectious laugh and was often the life of the party at family gatherings.

Midge was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph Bruce, her parents Catherine and Michael Gardiner, brother Joseph Gardiner, and sister Catherine McMahon (Peggy).

She is survived by her only son Robert Bruce and two grandchildren Ryan and Rianna, sisters Anne Hannon (Mickey) and Mildred Zamostny (Babes), and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in the spring or summer of 2023. Donations may be made in honor of Midge to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Maryland, 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 300, Towson, MD 21204.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sterlingashtonschwabwitzke.com for the Bruce family.