Obituary of Joanna L.K. Bruner

Devoted Wife & Mother Joanna Lola Kowalik Bruner, age 49, passed away on Tuesday July 7, 2009 after a long struggle with recurrent brain tumors. Joanna is survived by her loving husband Jeff and two sons, Blaine and Derek. Also survived by her parents, Jozef and Danuta Kowalik and her brother Raymond Kowalik. of Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on October 12, 1959 in East Chicago, Indiana, Joanna graduated in 1982 from the University of Missouri followed by the University of Denver Law School in 1985. She practiced law in Houston, Texas until the family located to Connecticut in 1992. Joanna was deeply devoted to her sons and family. She has been active in various community causes including the building and organization of the Nichols playground, as well as the Booth Hill and Hillcrest Middle School parent organizations. She was active in the Boy Scouts and local Trumbull politics, serving on the Board of Finance. Joanna was an avid golfer, reader and skier and found great joy in her church community, Nichols United Methodist Church. Joanna will be remembered for her strong, positive spirit and for her love of her family, friends and community. Known for her love of life and generosity of spirit to others, she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She lived by the motto that if you give freely to others, you will receive a little more in return. Funeral Information A Memorial Service celebrating her life will take place on Wednesday July 15, 2009 at 11:00 am directly in the Nichols United Methodist Church 35 Shelton Rd. Trumbull. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Tuesday July 14, 2009 from 3-8 pm at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home 419 White Plains Rd. Trumbull. Donations Information In lieu of flowers the family requested donations to the Dr. Santosh Kesari, Brain Tumor Research Fund, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive. RM MC0658. La Jolla, CA 92093