Lelah M. Bruso, age 97, of Rhinelander died Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016 under the care of Hospice at Cumberland Heights where she had lived happily for 13 years.  She was born Jan. 5, 1919 in Menasha to Joseph and Anna Cuenin and moved to Rhinelander at an early age.

She graduated from Oneida County Normal School in 1938 and began teaching in a one room school in the Town of Pelican. Lelah married Harold “Bill” Bruso in 1939.  She was always active and through the years was a member of the Pelican Homemakers, the Northside Homemakers, Toastmistresses, participated in the Stunt Night scholarship programs, retired teachers associations, delivered dinners for meals-on-wheels, was a member of the Rhinelander Antique Auto Club and led Rhinelander’s bicentennial committee in 1976.  She took up painting at the age of 50 and was involved with the Jackpine Artists. An avid traveler, she and Bill saw all 50 states while visiting their extended family and many friends with whom she carried on active correspondence.  She made her first trip to Europe in 1993.

She is survived by her children, Joseph (Janet) of McNaughton, Deanna Campbell of Las Vegas, Nev., Bob (Sarah) of Rhinelander and Kelsey of Minneapolis, Minn.; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; brother, Robert Cuenin; step-sister Deverna (De Marce) Riley and son-in-law Reed Campbell.

A Memorial Mass will be Saturday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church with Father Randy Knauf officiating. Inurnment will follow at Northland Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of mass at the church.

Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists 24 E. Davenport St. Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501 -715-365-4343. Celebrating lives & healing hearts. All are invited to light a candle, sign the guestbook, leave a photo or an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.