Obituaries for Feb. 12, 2010

‘Maria’ Bruno

Celestina “Maria” Bruno, 77, died peacefully on Feb. 8, 2010, at her home in Bridgeport.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 2 p.m. today at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, First and Church streets with Father Julian Cassar. Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery.

She was born on July 8, 1932, in France. Celestina was raised in northern Italy where she experienced the ongoing recovery efforts of World War I and also the turmoil of World War II.

Her family owned a little restaurant at the base of the Alps in Valdobiaddene, Italy. In 1957 at their Bellevedere restaurant she met Victor Bruno her “handsome cowboy.” They were married in Italy on August 31 of that year. Their romance and love story is worthy of a book all by itself.

Maria studied English while waiting for her paperwork to be processed for her to come to America. By this time Victor’s visa had expired and he had to return to California. With confidence in her new husband, her belief in humanity and by sheer faith she boldly traveled to America via Ellis Island.

Her new husband was there waiting for her and they lived at Napa, Calif., where they had five children; Victor, John, George, Mary Grace and Ernest.

In 1974, the family moved to Bridgeport, where they bought a cow/calf operation and raised Black Angus cattle. Maria was active in the Baker County community for the rest of her life.

She was very active in the Burnt River Extension study group and served in many official positions. Maria was also very involved in school activities and was recognized as the Burnt River Booster of the year in 1985.

While English was her second language, she was proud that she was also the Burnt River news correspondent for more than 20 years.

Maria was a homemaker for her family, but also worked for 34 years running the Bridgeport Post Office for the U.S. Postal Service. She retired from that capacity in 2008. She also operated a bed and breakfast and was the Avon representative for the area.

Maria loved people and cooking for family and friends. Growing up using a wood-burning stove, she loved the modern conveniences of an electric range and wore out many stoves in her years.

She enjoyed quilting, gardening and family gatherings. She always had a slice of pie, a cup of coffee, a smile and good conversation for anyone who would stop at the house for a visit.

Maria took great pride in her children and her only wish was for them to be happy, the children said. She loved her grandchildren dearly and enjoyed watching them grow up and talking with them.

Maria lived a life of adventure, leaving her native country in her mid 20s and immigrating to America, family members said.

“She was adaptable to people from every walk of life and environment and truly enjoyed the independence of the ranch life in this remote piece of heaven on earth we call Baker County,” they said.

She was not one to focus on the negative and often commented that her mission in life here was complete.

“We are confident by faith that she was ready for her eternal life in heaven, but will be missed dearly by all who she has touched here,” the family said.

They expressed appreciation to her friends and neighbors and added the “hope that you keep a bit of her loving spirit in your heart.”

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Victor; and sisters, Josephina and Amabile.

Survivors include her children, Victor and Layna Bruno, George and Sue Bruno, John and June Bruno, Nick and Mary Grace Schauer and Ernest and Connie Bruno; 10 grandchildren: Linea, Trina, Sarah, John, Alyssa, Kendra, Victoria, Joseph, Adam and Grace; sister, Gianna Resta of Valdobiadenne, Italy; and brother Antonio “Tony” Geronazzo of Calgary, Canada.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Catholic Charities or a charity of one’s choice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.

‘Curly’ Millman

There will be a Celebration of Life graveside service at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cove Cemetery.

Curly was born on Sept. 9, 1926, at Cove to Emery and Doris Millman. He married Eddith “Ike” Davis on Oct. 30, 1942, at Weiser, Idaho.

Curly loved to fish, spend time in the mountains and he enjoyed watching all the logging trucks going by. He was a World War II veteran with the US Navy.

Survivors include his sister, Patty Jackson of Alaska; his children and their spouses, Peggy and Bill Reed of Union, Pug and Connie Millman of Fruitland, Idaho, Pepper Huffman of Baker City and Moe Millman of Salmon, Idaho; 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eddith; two sisters, Opal and Lottie; and a brother, Gene.

 Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory of La Grande is in charge of arrangements.