Rebecca M. Sever Bruns, 93, a lifelong Belvidere resident left this life Monday June 19, 2006 at Maplecrest Care Center. She was born April 25, 1913 in her family home in Belvidere to Fred and Sophia (Larmett) Sever. Raised by her father, her aunt, Anna McNaughton, and uncle Dave McNaughton, she lost her mother to an influenza epidemic in 1915. Not afraid of adventure, before her senior year in high school she crossed the Atlantic Ocean to England in 1931 on the M.S. Aquatania to spend the summer with her Aunt and Uncle in Spalding, Lincolnshire, England. She graduated from Belvidere High School in 1932 and began nursing school at the Copley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Aurora, where she graduated in 1935. Becky's nursing career gave her many fascinating experiences as she worked with Dr. Adenbrook (dermatologist) at his offices in the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, with her lifelong nurse friend Irene Cassidy Lemon in Corpus Christi, Texas, Highland Hospital in Belvidere, and as occupational health nurse for Sundstrand Corp. in Belvidere and Rockford. In the later years of her career (during her 70s and 80s) she cared for elderly people in their homes. Even as a nursing home resident, while able, she tried to "take care" of her roommates. She married Clinton Blatchford and later married Edgar F. Bruns, Sr. and raised 3 children. Becky loved her Lord, church, family, and caring for others. She was a lifelong member, avid supporter, and tireless volunteer at the United Methodist Church in Belvidere. During her membership lasting approximately 80 years she held nearly every office in most of the women's organizations, and was perhaps best known for her many years of leadership of the church rummage sales that largely enabled the mission work of the United Methodist Women. She was a very strong woman with a terrific sense of humor, a take-charge and get-things-done leadership style, and a love of animals. Those who knew her often commented on her charismatic personality and her love of wearing hats (always in style for her). Her vitality will be sorely missed by family and friends.She is survived by her children and their spouses: Bruce (Kathy) Blatchford of Coloma, MI, Gary (Betty) Blatchford of Belvidere, Rebecca Ann (Gary) Bruns-Johnson of Columbia, MO., Ed Bruns, Jr. of Belvidere. Becky was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Steve Bruns of Bloomington, Janet Blatchford of Rockford, Jeff Blatchford of Cherry Valley, Samuel Blatchford of Coloma, MI., (children of Bruce & Kathy), Christopher (Sarah Grover) Blatchford, Kelly (Rich)Blatchford-Lusz, Katie (Jeremy)Blatchford-Morgan all of Belvidere, Kent (Danielle Englin) Blatchford of Rockford (children of Gary & Betty). Her 7 great-grandchildren were a special blessing to her. She is predeceased by her parents, aunt and uncle Anna & Dave McNaughton, her husbands, Clinton Blatchford and Edgar F. Bruns, Sr. cousins and many friends.

A memorial will be established in her name.