Eleanor Ruth (MacLaren) Bruce of Lexington, died peacefully with her family by her side on March 23, 2023. Eleanor was born in Boston, MA and raised in Medford where she attended Tremont Temple Baptist Church with her family.

She graduated from Medford High School in 1955 and went on to the New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1958. Upon her graduation, Eleanor practiced nursing at the Lahey Clinic, Mt. Auburn Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Following Eleanor's professional nursing career, her focus turned to starting a family with her husband. Later Eleanor completed a BA from Emmanuel College (1982) and a Masters degree from Eastern Nazarene College (1987).  She continued her studies at Andover Newton Theological School and Gordon College Theological Seminary. Eleanor went on to use her professional training in healthcare as a nurse in the Health Center at Gordon College, later becoming the Assistant Director of Academic Support. Eleanor loved learning. Throughout her life she sought out opportunities to expand her knowledge through her reading and study of the Bible and theology.

Eleanor had a deep love for music. She sang as a member of the All Girl Choir at Medford High School and played the piano at Tremont Temple Baptist Church during the Sunday evening service where she would meet her future husband. In her home, she was often found singing and playing her favorite hymns on the piano with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Beyond serving her family, Eleanor's love extended to the larger community. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, numerous Bible Studies for groups of women, as well as international students studying in Boston. She had a heart for world missions and with her husband, frequently hosted missionaries in their home. In addition, as part of her Masters studies, Eleanor worked with the Norfolk County District Attorney's Juvenile Diversion Program and served juvenile clients in coordination with the court, police, school, and other social agencies seeking to redirect troubled youth.

Eleanor found beauty in God's creation and enjoyed birdwatching from her windows and gardening the floral beds surrounding her home.

Her most cherished and important roles were as wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the beloved wife of James D. Bruce and loving mother of David Bruce and his wife Myra of Wakefield, Heather Walker and her husband Glenn of Wenham, and of Nathaniel Bruce and his wife Kimberly of Austin, TX. Eleanor was the devoted sister of Peter MacLaren and his wife Sharla, and Judy MacLaren. She is survived by nine grandchildren: Samuel and his wife Brittany, Lydia, and Sofia; Erin and her husband Ryan; Madison and her husband Joshua, Emma, Elizabeth, Jacob and Jackson; and by three great granddaughters, Amelia, Josephine, and Elise as well as a niece Sarah and three nephews, Jason, Douglas and James. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Robert Bruce and his wife Marcelyn of Houston, TX.

Eleanor was an active member of Park Street Church, Boston and lived a long life of obedience in the service of her Lord, Jesus Christ.

Calling Hours will be held Friday, March 31 ^st at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington from 4pm to 7pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Donations in her memory may be made to the Park Street Church Deacons Fund, 1 Park St. Boston, MA 02108. A private family service will be held upon interment.