Obituary of Alice Dewitt Bruce

Bruce, Alice Dewitt - (May 19, 1915 - January 27, 2015) Bridgetown’s matriarch died early Tuesday morning in Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, just 111 days short of her goal of reaching her 100th birthday. She had a strong will, a sharp mind, and was proud to be 99 years old, remaining independent and living alone until recently. Her husband, Victor Bruce and Ali started Bruce’s Shoe Store as teenagers with twenty-five cents in the till, over time becoming business icons in southwestern Nova Scotia. After Vic’s death in 1976, Ali continued to run the business, working into her 70’s. Always impeccably groomed and a talented decorator she was very artistic and liked to try new things. Sewing, leather work, pottery and painting. She was an avid collector of antiques and paintings. Her creative talent was displayed in her extraordinary store window displays. A destination for Valley residents as well as fashion-seeking patrons from Yarmouth to Kentville. Many will remember the swirling skaters, Rudolph with his magic, the Seven Dwarfs and the vases of flowers from her backyard garden that graced the storefront windows. She loved all the children she fitted with shoes and had an open door for the stray cats that seem to know how to find her. Ali’s death reminds us of the beautiful Town of Bridgetown that she loved. Alice loved the townspeople and was truly grateful for the support they gave to their shoe business and the loving care, cards, phone calls and visits in more recent years. Alice was devastated by the sudden passing of her son, David Urquhart in 2012. She was also predeceased by her parents, William and Dazie Dargie; husband, Victor; sister, Joan; and brothers, Billy and DeWitt. She is survived by her sister, Maureen (George Friis) and her daughter-in-law, Diane; grandson, Bruce (Salina), many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and numerous god children. Visitation will be held at Kaulbach Funeral Home, Bridgetown Sunday February 1st 2-4, with funeral service held Monday February 2nd, 1 pm at St James Anglican Church, Bridgetown. Interment at Riverside Cemetery with family only. Reception to follow in church hall. In lieu of flowers donations to the Mayflower Unit at Soldiers Memorial Hospital would be appreciated. Please do not wear scented products. On line condolences may be sent to www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com