Maureen "Irish" Anne Bruers Obituary (1931

Maureen "Irish" Anne Bruers, 81, a resident of the Vernonia community died Wednesday morning, April 18, 2012 at her home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM on Friday evening April 27, 2012 held at St Mary Catholic Church A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at St Mary Catholic Church; 960 Missouri Ave in Vernonia A reception will follow the Mass held at the parish hall. A private family graveside service will take place later in the day. The family suggests donations in Irish's name to St Vincent de Paul Society c/o St Mary Catholic Church of Vernonia. Colleen Anne "Irish" (Ryan) Bruers was born on a cold and snowy evening on January 7, 1931 in Worthington, MN. to John (Jack) Michael and Mildred Mae (Smith) Ryan. At the age of five Irish lost her mother in a car accident her father remarried a year later and her step-mother changed her name to Maureen. She received her elementary education in Rapid City, South Dakota and Newberg, Oregon. She graduated from high school at St Mary's of the Valley with the Class of 1948 (Salutatorian). Irish attended University of Portland for one year in there nursing program. She then moved to Minnesota transferring to General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, SD. She graduated with an associate's degree in teaching and then graduated in 1956 from Mankato State Teachers College with a Bachelor's Degree in education with a minor in art. Irish started teaching in Jackson, MN and went onto teach for the US Air Force. She had taught in Japan, Germany and England and also taught in Los Angeles and San Bernardino, CA. Irish was united in marriage to Don Bruers on June 22, 1962. Following their marriage they resided in California, Idaho and Oregon. In 1975 they made their home in Vernonia. Irish and Don owned and operated the Pine Cone Restaurant for several years. Irish was also a substitute teacher for many years and had taught pre-school, religious education and did home child care until her health deteriorated. She enjoyed many years volunteering with the St Vincent DePaul Society in Vernonia; she also enjoyed reading, gardening, baking, quilting and sewing. Irish enjoyed car rides, the smell of fresh air and playing practical jokes. She loved doing her arts and crafts with her family, friends and spending time with her grandchildren. Irish was preceded in death by her husband; Don, a son; Michael (Micky) and her parents. Irish went home to be with Jesus, Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the family home peacefully in the company of her family. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law; Kathleen and John Spinden of Vernonia, OR, four grandchildren; Christopher, Stella, Mickell and Lilliann, her dog Rudy and many faithful friends, most of them golden gifts from God, some others not so much.