Barbara P. Bruce, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away November 21, 2021 at the age of 82 in the comfort of her Mariemont home.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1939, Barbara Theophelis attended Michigan State University and later earned both a Bachelor of Education and Master's in Special Education from Wayne State University. She began her 18-year teaching degree as a primary school educator at Highland Park Schools in the early 1960's before spending the majority of her career in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. She was a beloved teacher who made an indelible imprint on the lives of hundreds children in Southeastern Michigan.

Barbara's career was flourishing when a chance encounter with Chrysler executive, John M. Bruce, led to an enduring love and the birth of their daughter Johanna. The family settled in Grosse Pointe Farms and enjoyed annual trips to Florida and Vermont. Career opportunities in Fort Wayne, Indiana took the family away from Michigan and Barbara continued her teaching career at the Canterbury School. Mr. Bruce's early passing in 1992 brought Barbara back to Michigan for a significant period, but she later moved permanently to Cincinnati in order to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She settled in Mariemont and enjoyed socializing with her new neighbors, attending movies and plays, and shopping for antiques and art. She was adored by her family and friends and admired for her generosity, humor, and easy laugh.

Barbara was the loving wife of John M. Bruce for 20 years. She was also preceded in death by her cherished siblings Antigone Bellas (Neil) of Palo Alto, California and George Theophelis (Georgia) of Livonia, Mi. She is survived by her beloved daughter Johanna McCormick (Kevin) and loving grandchildren John and Leigh of Cincinnati and her great-aunt Virginia F. Ciantra of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Donations in Barbara's memory can be made to: The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 800 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 or www.foundation.cincinnatilibrary.org

The Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
800 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45202
Web: http://www.foundation.cincinnatilibrary.org