Vida Maud Bruce

Vida Maud Bruce passed away peacefully October 20, 2023. Predeceased by husband John, sister Marion Boyd and brother Richard Taylor. Survived by sons Marcus (Deta), Walter and Toby (Jennifer), grandchildren Kira (Sam), Levi, Kai, Bethany and Sally and great grandson Ozzy. Survived also by good friend Kelly Rogers, mother of Kira, Levi and Kai.  Vida was born in 1928 in Niagara Falls to Duncan and Vida Taylor. Moving later to Toronto, she graduated from Humberside Collegiate and then in 1950, the University of Toronto. After a summer working at the Jasper Park Lodge, she made a mad dash eastward to board a ship for Europe, destined for a job teaching English to French elementary students, staying avec La famille Clement en Bretagne. On board she was espied by a doctoral student bound for studies at the universities of London (England). John Bruce was clearly interested in pursuing a relationship and a shipboard romance became a lifelong partnership. Vida spent much of the year in Brittany and joined John in London where they were married December 12, 1951.  They returned to Canada to live in London, Ontario where John had been hired to teach philosophy at Western University. They raised a family with all sons born in London. They were active in artistic and scholarly pursuits. At one point, recalling her earlier studies, Vida did some extracurricular instruction of French at a local public school. This proved of worth to the family when John took a Sabbatical leave in Europe with the family in 1964.  After the year in England and France the family returned to Canada moving to Guelph in 1965 where John formed the Philosophy Department at the recently expanded university. By 1970, Vida was able to complete a master’s thesis examining the importance of a yet untranslated early French-Canadian novel, “Jean Rivard”. She subsequently received a grant to translate the book through McClelland Stewart.  As empty nesters Vida and John continued to develop ‘the farm’ in Varney to which they retired as John finished his tenure with Guelph University. With his retirement, opportunities for travel led them to further experience England and France and add Turkey, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Dominica and America as further adventures. The Farm became the focal point for the expanding clan, particularly at Christmas with occasional birthdays providing an excuse for yet more revelry.  When John passed away in 2000 Vida continued to maintain a family nexus at The Farm with Toby and Jenny resident on the property. After hip replacement she was able to travel with long established friends. She journeyed to France again with Keely Stratford staying at Juan les Pins and later in Paris at which time she was able to renew her acquaintance with the Clement sisters from Brittany. Later with the Barb and Hugh MaCallum she enjoyed an Alaskan cruise. There was also a Cuba vacation, and she was a welcome visitor to Lake Nipissing and Lake Papineau.  An avid reader, she was a member of two book clubs. She also enjoyed sketching and painting as well as pursuing her long-time gardening and cooking interests. Spending time with the grandchildren gave her great joy. At Christmas she could be relied upon to find the spindliest Christmas tree in preparation for the hosting an evening of much food and festivity. She appreciated a pre-prandial sherry and decent wine with dinner and the occasional liqueur or calvados to finish. Zucchini cake, runny Camembert, Stilton, service on Blue Willow china and Quimper; some of the little touches that made these gatherings memorable.  She was able to enjoy living in her own home until June of this year before moving to a retirement residence nearby in Hanover.  A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Please support your local food bank.  Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, www.greybrucecremation.com.