It is with great sadness that the family of Jean M. Bruno (Elvins) conveys the news of her death after 94 years on this earth. Born in Hammonton, N.J. in 1928 she died at home with her family in Piscataway, N.J. on May 24, 2022. Daughter of George Andrew Elvins and Virginia French, whose ancestors arrived in South Jersey in the mid–19th century from Philadelphia. Both families were active in the business and civic life of her hometown.
An avid field hockey player in her youth, Jean graduated from Rutgers College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture. It was there that she met her future husband, Henry Bruno. Before her marriage in 1951, she worked as a seed analyst for the state of New Jersey under her lifelong friend, Jennie Bloodgood. Jean and Henry moved to Metuchen, built a house and retail store and opened Bruno’s Nursery on Main Street. The sales counter had been salvaged from the Elvin’s store and post office established in 1861 in Hammonton. Jean served as propagator, sales force and accountant for the business.
When the family and nursery operations needed room for expansion Jean found a 15-acre farm and 18th century house in Piscataway. In 1962, an irrigation pond was dug, a new greenhouse constructed and soon the once fallow field were filled with ornamental plants, fruit and vegetable gardens. She joined the Historical Society and opened their home to tours during the town’s Tricentennial in 1966. She worked at the Piscataway Public Library and enjoyed sports, travel, bird watching and gardening with her family.
Jean is predeceased by her husband, Henry Bruno; and sisters, Virginia Macri and Roberta Churchill.
Jean is survived by daughters, Jean B. Stremlo (Rodney) and Virginia F. Bruno both of Piscataway; sons, George B. Bruno (Heather) of Burien Wash. and Henry L. Bruno (Beth) of Blacksburg, S.C. along with eight grandchildren and eight great–grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to your favorite charity. Card of condolence may be sent to the Bruno Family at 430 S. Randolphville Road, Piscataway NJ 08854. Funeral services are under the direction of the Piscataway Funeral Home.