May 25, 2022
Bruno, Thelma M. L.
Thelma Margaret Louise (Dixon) Bruno died peacefully at home in Dedham on May 23, 2022 at the age of 87. Thelma was born in Norwood, Massachusetts to the late Amos Trueman Dixon and Theo Avery Brown. She was predeceased by her older brother Amos T. Dixon Jr. and her twin brother Donald L. Dixon.
Thelma grew up in Norwood and moved to Westwood as a teen. She graduated from Westwood High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
She married her husband of 65 years, Nicholas Bruno Jr. of Dedham. In her early career she taught elementary school in Westwood. Her education profession culminated with several years of teaching kindergarten at the Dedham Community House Preschool.
Thelma was exceptionally active at the First Parish Church in Westwood. In addition to her decades of service to the church in a number of roles, she was a tireless volunteer in many capacities including Girl Scouts and bringing meals to Rosie’s Place. She was also an early advocate for the environment; joining a newly-formed recycling committee in the 1970’s. As with everything in her life, Thelma went about her altruistic endeavors with quiet dignity and humility.
She spent her summers in Nova Scotia, a place that she held dearly in her heart, where she visited with siblings and members of her extended family. Thelma enjoyed playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles, walking on the beach, traveling, and going to frequent family gatherings; both large and small.
She is survived by her husband Nick who took extraordinary care of her during her illness, enabling her to stay home; her children – Donna Naples, and her husband Richard; David Bruno, and his wife Nicole, Deborah Mansfield, and her husband Jim Arena; and Nicholas Bruno III and his wife Jamie. Thelma is also survived by her sister, Lenore A. Vaux. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as a caring aunt to all her nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express enormous gratitude to Good Shepherd Community Care, with extra special thanks to Bella Castro and Huishan Yuan.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, June 3rd from 4 to 8 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, Westwood. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service Saturday, June 4th at 11 am at the First Parish Church, 252 Nahatan St, Westwood, MA 02090. In lieu of flowers, donations to the First Parish Church (address above) or to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave, Newton, MA 02459 would be appreciated.
Comments(7)
Nick, Donna, David, Debbie and Nick, so sorry to hear of Thelmas passing. She was a good and gracious lady who treated everyone like family. I will always have fond memories of her and the kindness she always showed me. I’m sorry I won’t be able to join you to commemorate a life well lived. You are all in my thoughts during this tough time.
Dear Nicky & Family,
I send my sincere sympathy and love to all the Bruno family. I am sad to hear of Thelma’s passing. She was such a wonderful neighbor and friend.
I will always remember her beautiful smile and kind and caring heart. May she rest in peace with God and His angels.
Love, Bonnie
I am so sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. She was one of the “saints” of First Parish. I have many fond memories of her from when I served as Pastor at First Parish.
May loving memories, the support of family and friends, and the God’s Spirit buoy in this time of loss.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Thelma’s recent passing. She was a dear friend of mine at First Parish for many years and was devoted to her church. My sincere condolences to her family for their loss. I was very fond of her and she will always hold a special place in my heart.
I am saddened to learn of Thelman’s passing. I learned to truly admire the way she carried herself watching her at the shore. She will be missed in many ways. I am proud to have the privilege of knowing her. May God Hold her in the palm of his hand
Donna and family, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Sounds like she touched a lot of lives and will be fondly remembered. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We were so sad to learn of Aunt Thelma’s passing. She was a fun and loving Aunt. We really enjoyed our visits at the shore. Our sympathy to all of you during these difficult days. We are sorry we can’t be there with you. You are in our prayers.