Teresa “Cookie” Bruni, 85, peacefully, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare.
Teresa was born on January 18, 1936, a daughter of the late William and Mabel (Martin) Cook. She was educated in local schools. In September of 1958, she married Edmund (Ed) R. Bruni, former lieutenant of the Utica Fire Department. They shared twenty-nine years of adventure, filled with family, love, and laughter, until Ed’s passing on July 22, 1987.
Teresa cherished the wonderful friendships made while employed in food service at MVCC, for over twenty years. She dedicated her life to prayer and service for others, from lecturing at the former Blessed Sacrament Church, to daily masses at Historic Old St. John’s Church, in Utica.
Teresa was a devoted mother and grandmother with a charitable spirit. She delighted in being a Nonnie and formed an unbreakable bond with her beloved grandchildren and grand “cat” Lionel.
Teresa exuded confidence and grace wherever she went, reminding everyone to accept nothing less than the best. Always fashionable, she’d rarely be seen without her blond hair curled, blue eyeshadow, umbrella, and a dash of bling or sparkle.
Long walks thumbing the rosary were common, but never interfered with afternoon episodes of General Hospital.
Later in life, Teresa was blessed with a loving and loyal companion, John Reilly. From trips to the Adirondacks, to shopping and evening dinners, their vigor for life and strong, spiritual bond was admired by many. The gratitude Teresa had for John is immeasurable, as in the connection he formed with her daughter and grandchildren. John, you are forever family.
She is survived by her adored daughter and son-in-law, Rita and David Lewis; her son, Edmund Bruni; brother, William “Billy” Cook; sisters, Katherine Garza, Florence and Kenneth Armstrong, and Debra Haensgen; special sister-in-law, Sylvia (Syl) Majka; brother-in-laws, Robert Funicello and Vernon Miller; and grandchildren, Rachel, David, Renee Lewis, and Salvatore Bruni. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a Godchild, Sylvia Majka. She was predeceased by her brother, James R. Cook; a sister, Carol Ann Cook; four sisters-in-law, Joan Cook, Diane Cook, Aurelia Miller, and Joanne Funicello; and two brothers-in-law, Joseph P. Majka and Jerry Quaranta.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph St. Patrick Church, in Utica. Private interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery. All Covid protocols will be in place. Masks covering your nose and mouth, social distancing, and registration at church will be required.
During these difficult social times, a message of sympathy at mattfuneralhome.com is always a great source of comfort to the family.
The family would like to thank the Clark North nurses and staff, who cared for Teresa, and in particular, Tyler Dwyer, who went above and beyond to ensure she was comforted in her final days.
In memory of Teresa, please consider donating to Woodhaven Wildlife Center in Chadwicks, or the Fine Arts Program at the ARC in Utica.
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