Vivian T. Bruns

Vivian T. Bruns, 76, of Umatilla, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018. Born in Eustis, Florida, she was a lifelong resident of Lake County. Vivian was a member of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla. She is survived by her Husband, Pete Bruns of Umatilla, FL, Sons, Henry Bruns (Janie) of Summerfield, FL and Richard Bruns (Dana)of Sorrento, FL; Grandchildren, Savannah Bruns, Colton Bruns, Cody Bruns and Brooke Bruns; Great Granddaughter, A.J. Bruns; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Born in 1942, Vivian Thompson Bruns is a Eustis native. She is the youngest child of B.E. & Pauline Thompson, co- founders of B.E. Thompson Furniture Company in downtown Eustis (1936). Vivian grew up in Eustis, graduated Eustis High School and Central Florida Community College, and married Richard P. "Pete" Bruns of Leesburg in 1963. Vivian was an active supporter of her children's school- and community-based activities, and enjoyed attending as many of her grandchildren's activities as possible. With an eye for design, Vivian was active in her family's furniture business until it closed in 1992. Vivian has been a co-owner and property manager for Bay Street Plaza in Eustis since its construction in 1985. She was also an exercise instructor, having taught a 3-days per week class for the Eustis Recreation Department for 35 years. Some of her students continuously attended the class since its inception and are now in their 80s and 90s. Vivian was active in the Golden Triangle YMCA, teaching exercise classes, serving on their advisory board and fundraising during their annual scholarship campaign. She and her husband, Pete, have been active volunteers for LifeStream Behavioral Center, participating in their annual Gala events. Vivian was a member of the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the “First Ladies” of the Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society, loaning items for several exhibits. Vivian was a supporter of several local animal rescue agencies and adopted dozens of animals over the years. She has also provided financial support to the Children's Foundation of Lake County and several other local and national charitable organizations. Her past activities include representing Eustis Elks Lodge as Tangerine Bowl Princess and judging the Miss. Eustis Pageant. Residents of Eustis expressed their appreciation for her many years of service to the community by electing her Queen of the annual Georgefest Celebration in 2016. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Umatilla, on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10:00 AM. The family will receive friends at the Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Lake County Animal Shelter, 28123 CR 561, Tavares, FL 32778. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis