Carole Rose DeBruine

Carole DeBruine of Bellingham passed away peacefully in her home, on Friday November 27, 2015, with family at her side. She was born on March 5, 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Frederick and Rose Maier. She was the youngest of five children and one of her mom’s little graces. When her parent’s died tragically when she was only thirteen, she went to live with her siblings until her graduation from Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon returning to Milwaukee, it wasn’t long before she was reunited with an old high school friend, Gordon DeBruine. A romance began that lasted a lifetime. She and Gordy were married on September 1, 1956 and were devoted partners in life and best friends for 55 years. Carole raised four children and is the beloved gramma to six grandchildren. She gave herself tirelessly to her family and it was often heard said by one of her grandchildren – “something good always happens at gramma’s house.” And that was true. Carole combined her deep love of her family, her faith in Christ and her creative talents to fashion a home of fun, beauty, good food, laughter, love and acceptance. She became a surrogate mom to many and a dear friend to most who knew her. Carole’s creative and artistic talents were expressed in her interior design business in Tacoma, Washington. She loved to serve others by helping them create a home of beauty and grace. And she also had fun re-decorating her home more than a few times. She and Gordon traveled the world from Asia to Europe, but their most memorable trip was to the Holy Land where they had the profound privilege to walk in the steps of Christ. While we miss her deeply, we rejoice that mom is in the presence of her Lord and is reunited with her dear husband Gordon and son Jeff who preceded her in death. She also longed to be reunited again with her dearly loved parents. She was preceded in death by her brother Fred Maier, her sisters Ruth Baugh and Mildred Piontkowski. She is survived by her sister Helen Cozzini of Crawford, Nebraska. She is also survived by her children Karen (Larry) Delceg of Phoenix, Kris DeBruine, Gail (Kevin) DeVere and Danielle DeBruine, all of Bellingham; and her six amazing grandchildren, Michael, Colton, Natalie, Andrea, Julia and Jessica. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday December 6th, at Hillcrest Chapel in Bellingham, Washington. You are invited to share your memories at wordpress-271002-1416095.cloudwaysapps.com. Memorial donations may be made in Carole’s name to Hillcrest Chapel (1400 Larrabee Bellingham, WA 98225) or to a charity of your choice.

Carole Rose DeBruine

March 5, 1934 - November 27, 2015