A TRIBUTE TO OUR MOM June Bruggeman, a dynamic woman who for so many decades was a central pillar to our family, has finished her journey. She was born on June 4, 1925 in Sarnia, Ontario, just across the river from her home in Port Huron, Michigan. She learned business skills early as a youngster selling eggs, milk and home grown vegetables to neighbors from a hand-pulled wagon. In 1943 her parents, Harold and Ida packed their belongings and took their two girls, June and Jackie, to the wild west of Tucson, Arizona. It was a dramatic change in hopes of improving Jackie’s health. She succumbed to her illness in 1949 at the age of 15. While training to become a licensed beautician in downtown Tucson, June had the distinction of nearly knocking a handsome stranger to the ground who happened to be in her path as she hurried across the street during a short lunch break. The man grabbed her by the shoulders and said, “Whoa, gal!” Looking up she found herself gazing into the eyes of movie star, Clark Gable. June became a successful beautician and eventually went on to open and run her own shop in the fanciest downtown hotel of its time, the old Santa Rita Hotel. In 1955 she married the love of her life, a handsome Air Force pilot, Arthur Bruggeman. They traveled from Tucson to Newfoundland and then to New Mexico for his military assignments and settled back in Tucson in 1963. Along with her son, Ron, they raised their children Mark and Jacki. In the 1960’s June discovered garage sales and her business sense and skills kicked into action once again. For the next four decades, she bought and sold items and financed a substantial collection of antiques and collectibles with the profits. June was a central figure for hosting family gatherings such as holidays and birthdays. She was a good cook and an even better baker. Anyone who has had her apple pie or English tarts would agree! On November 17, 2020 June passed away peacefully at the age of 95. She is predeceased by her husband, Arthur Bruggeman, parents, Harold and Ida Rattee, sister Jackie Rattee and so many beloved family members and friends. She is survived by her son Ronald Bruggeman, son Mark Bruggeman and his partner Ahmet Okal, daughter and son-in-law Jacki and Jesus Gomez, granddaughter and grandson-in-law Chelsea and Christopher Drakulich, and grandson Daniel Cyburt. June is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends who rise to the level of “family.”