Stephanie “Penny” Ball Bruno, 70, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 16, 2016.
She is survived by her brother Terry Ball; her daughter Tracey Hanley; niece Shauna (Neil) Thompson; nephew Jim Ball; and several great-nieces and a great-nephew.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents Clifford and Donna Ball, and her loving husband Frank.
She was born on her maternal grandmother’s birthday, Sept. 9, 1945 in St. Augustine, Fla.
Before graduating in 1963, Bruno was a Brownie, Girl Scout and a Mariner, earning every badge available. Then she was chosen to become one of the first members of the “Riplets,” a training program for the “Dolphinettes,” a synchronized swimming team that performed throughout Florida.
She was a member of the Dolphinettes throughout high school, receiving the “most improved” award in Dolphinettes, graduating in 1963. After attending Belle Isle Business College in West Palm Beach, Bruno went to work for Ryder Truck Rental as Office Manager in Knoxville. Moving back to Vero Beach, she went to work at Security Federal bank and Lennie’s Lounge on US 1.
Bruno then earned her real estate agent’s license and then her broker’s license. She and her husband built and opened Michaud Real Estate in the mid 70’s at 37th Avenue and Route 60. She became President of the Board of Realtors in 1982, then obtained her residential contractor’s license, building houses in Castaway Cove, Sandpointe, Treasure Coast Isles and many more. Later, she and her brother Terry ran Ball Groves.
She enjoyed being a member of the Vero Beach Country Club, golfing and spending summers in North Carolina.
She recently learned to quilt and received much pleasure from creating quilts. She will be greatly missed by her many friends who enjoyed her love of fun, quick laugh and generosity of spirit…Bless her heart.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to “Cat’s Meow Rescue and Adoption Center” 126 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32968, (772) 562-2287.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Trinity Episcopal Church Chapel, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
