Joanne Grace (Wright) Bruce

Joanne Grace Bruce, 86, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Gonzales, Louisiana, at the home of her granddaughter and grandson-in-law.

Born in Malvern, Pennsylvania, on April 21, 1940, Joanne was the daughter of John E. Wright and Ruth E. (Dept) Wright. She was educated in the Coatesville school system, attending the segregated James Adams School (formerly known as the Merchant Street School) and later S. Horace Scott Senior High School.

A natural caregiver, Joanne devoted much of her life to serving others. She worked as a nurse’s aide at Clifford’s Nursing Home for nearly 25 years, where she was known for her compassion and dedication to the patients that she served.

Joanne later met the love of her life, Bernard “Bonnie” Bruce, with whom she shared 17 years of marriage. She was a proud and devoted mother to her only child, Kim, and a deeply committed grandmother. Joanne played an active role in raising her grandchildren, Tokyahama Bernette Taylor and Alfreda Denise Wright, and also lovingly cared for her younger granddaughters, Danielle Monique Golden and Jacquelin Elvira Dollard.

Even after retirement, Joanne continued her lifelong mission of caring for others. She babysat many children in the Coatesville community and became a cherished presence in the nursery at New Life In Christ Fellowship Church. Never one to sit still, she eventually returned to the workforce, joining the custodial staff at Siemens in Frazer, Pennsylvania.

Joanne was a familiar and beloved figure along Lincoln Highway, often seen walking with her many bags and her signature bright red hair, which was faithfully styled by Duke of Hair. Affectionately known as “Mommom Bruce” by many beyond her family, she was remembered for her spirited personality, generous heart, and willingness to give, even when she had little to spare.

In addition to her parents, Joanne is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bernard Bruce; her brother, Arthur O. Dept; and her sister, Edna E. Melton.

Joanne leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Emily Caleb; her daughter, Kim D. Rolle; her son-in-law, George Rolle; her granddaughters; her grandson-in-laws, Michael C. Taylor and Damon Dollard; her great grandchildren for whom she helped raise, Ashlei E. Tracy, Bakari R. Green, Jr., Jayquon N. Wright, Brooklyn R. Green, and Isiah Wright; great grandson-in-law, Brandon Tracy; great-grandchildren, Michael Taylor, Jr., Kwani Taylor, Ivanna Taylor, Tre’Veyanna Wright, Maddison, MaKalah, Mason, MaKaiio, Maejr, and Meadow; great, great-grandson, Ry’Lor; uncle, Calvin D. Wright, and aunt, Lenora Wright, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, along with and a host of cousins, nieces nephews and friends.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 10 AM, on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 107 South 17th Avenue, Coatesville. A viewing will be held from 9 AM until 9:45 AM.

Click here on Friday, May 15th at 9:45 AM EST to WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom.

Interment will be held in the Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Youth Ministry at Judah Ministries Church of God in Christ through their online donation portal: https://myjudahfire.com/online-donations/.

Condolences may be shared through the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in Joanne's memory.