Mrs. Jane Immaculata Matsinger Bruce, formerly of 163 Ann Dr. Pittsfield, and Brewster, Ma., died Thursday evening at Berkshire Place. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8, 1925, the daughter of the late Harry and Mary Bilboa Matsinger.  A graduate of Corpus  Christi High School, she was awarded her Registered Nursing license in 1946 following her  graduation  from  the Hahnemann Nursing School there. She began her nursing career in the private practice of Dr. John  Ladden in Philadelphia.

She met the love of her life, the late Dr. James E. Bruce, during the fall of 1950 and they were married April 14, 1951 in Corpus Christi Church. Together, they moved to Pittsfield with their young family in 1964 upon Jim being appointed the chief of the Anesthesia Dept. at the former St. Luke’s Hospital.

A member of the St Luke’s and later BMC Women’s Auxiliary, she also served as a Cub Scout leader while her children were in Scouting. Devoted to her faith, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of several choirs at Sacred Heart Church. A role model to her children, her family, her faith and her music meant everything to her. 

She is survived by her 8 of her 9 children , Bobby ( Dawn ) Bruce of Needham,  Mary Ellen ( Steve ) Bruce of Northampton,    Jane    ( John ) Bresnahan of Pittsfield,  Karen ( Gene ) Auge’ of Pittsfield,  Jimmy ( Cindy )  Bruce of Franklin,  Rita ( Paul ) , Jacobs of New Market, N.H.,  Patti ( Suzanne ) Bruce of Milford, and Paul ( Kim ) Bruce of Dalton.  She was the proud Nanny of her 25 grandchildren and her 24 great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Judy M. Bruce DiCicco who died in June 21, 2000 and her granddaughter, Tara Jacobs Balich, who died Sept. 27, 2011. She was also predeceased by her two sisters, Sr. Jane Immaculate and Sr. Helen Christi, both Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia.

Jane’s entire family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to Ed  Forfa, Executive Director, all of the caregivers in the Memory Unit and to the entire staff of Berkshire Place for their love and compassion while she was in their care.

BRUCE, Jane I., who would have been 92 next Friday, died Thursday, Nov. 30th after an extended illness. The Celebration of her Life will begin SUNDAY afternoon from 4 to 7 pm at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME. The Celebration will continue on MONDAY morning, Dec. 4th from the funeral home followed with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church with the Rev. Michael Bernier, pastor,  and the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, Pastor Emeritus of St. Charles Church, con- celebrating. Burial will follow next her husband, Jim, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Berkshire Place in Jane’s memory, in care of the Funeral Home

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