Barbara J. Bruh's Obituary
Barbara "Bobbi" Bruh nee Levenson left this world on September 16th, just two days after her 91st birthday. She led a long and courageous life.
Bobbi was born in University Heights to Bertha and William Levenson. She graduated from Heights High, and when she was in her late 50's got a bachelors degree at Hiram College, an achievement she was proud of. She lived on Kenyon Rd. in Shaker Heights for many years then moved to Beachwood.
Bobbi was married three times, most recently to the late Stanley Bruh. She is survived by her children Mitchell (Laura) and Amy Glin, and her sister Sandy (Danny) Weiler and brother Don (Roberta) Levenson along with a host of nieces and nephews and two grandchildren.
A lover of travel, Bobbi saw the world. Except for a short stint in Florida, she lived in the Cleveland area her whole life and spent every vacation she had going somewhere. Traveling through Africa was one of her life goals, and she reached it. She loved intellectual conversation, good food, and interesting people.
One memorable family trip was when we packed up our Volkswagon camper and drove first to the Bay of Fundy, then across Quebec to the Laurentian Mountains. We picked up interesting hitchhikers, oh yes, it was a different time, stopped in every antique store that we could find, us kids loved that, haha, and at one point bounced along rocks on the side of the road like a rubber ball. We lived to tell about it! We never did figure out where that broken glass sound came from.
Mom loved everything outdoors including owls and frogs. Class 5 rapids were no match to her adventurous spirit. She attended Outward Bound in her late 50's and was recognized in the Sun Press with a photo of her portaging a canoe by herself! She was an inspiration!
A beautiful tribute from our cousin, Nanci, "She never liked being called Aunt Bobbi, (made her feel old!). She always said, "just call me Booby"; so that's what I did! She was more like a good friend than an Aunt. She was married/divorced to my mom's brother Rudy many years ago, but in my eyes, she was always my Aunt; the cool Aunt; a part of my family,”
Nanci continues, "When the notorious Frank's Boy lit my apartment building on fire in the early 80's, Booby offered me the use of her 3rd floor. I had a great time living there! We cooked many a dinner together, baked bread, and talked about life in general; there was always a glass of wine involved. She was my sounding board since my Mom had passed away. When I got stood up by a date for the Neil Diamond concert, Booby and her boyfriend David took me to the concert and scalped me a ticket!”
Her nieces Sara, Karen and Abby, shared stories with us this past week of how much fun they had with going rafting with her, and how much they admired her.
If you knew Bobbi, you knew she was opinionated. Often, in her later years, to hilarity. One time when I was visiting her at Myers Towers, where she lived, we were sitting outside the dining room waiting for lunch. She looked at me said, "You know Amy, everyone who lives here is a moron." She points at people around the room while saying, "Moron, moron, moron." I said, "Mom, everyone can't be a moron!" She answered, "Well, you got your shufflers, your droolers, and your hard-of-hearing.”
Our grandma Bertie used to give us acorns when we were traveling. I remember them being for a safe journey, my cousin thought they were for good luck. I found several acorns in my mom’s apartment and slipped one into her fist for luck and a safe journey.
Bobbi Bruh, our mother, was indeed a character. She is loved and already missed. Rest in Peace, mom, and don't take any wooden nickels!
A gathering to celebrate Bobbi’s life will be held at her son Mitchell’s home, 1368 S. Belvoir Blvd., South Euclid this coming Sunday September 22 from 1 to 5 pm. Please stop by and raise a glass in memory. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sierra Club in Bobbi’s name would tickle her soul. Amen.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?