Sandra LaMura Bruggemann passed away on July 10, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was 92. The cause of death was congestive heart failure.
Sandra LaMura was born on June 4 1933, in Brooklyn New York, the second of four children of Frank Peter LaMura and Gertude Trail LaMura. In 1956 she married John Phillip Bruggemann, also of Brooklyn, NY. In 1958 Sandra and John moved to East Hartford, Connecticut, where they raised their two children. Sandra earned her Associate in Arts degree from Hartford College for Women in 1989. After John’s retirement, Sandra and John moved to Waitsfield, Vermont, in 1990. Sandra continued to live in Waitsfield after John passed away in 2001. She moved to Des Moines in 2012.
Sandra was an avid skier. She met John as a skier, and their favorite destination was the Mad River Glen ski area in Waitsfield. Sandra was proud to have skied Mad River in every full decade of its existence until she moved to Des Moines. In East Hartford, summers were dominated by swimming and tennis at Glenbrooke Swim Club. Sandra and John continued to ski after moving to Waitsfield. They also enjoyed bicycling, hiking, and birding. They were active members of the Silver Streakers, a local bicycle club, and the Mad Birders. Sandra supported classical music and attended many performances of the Des Moines Symphony, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and at Drake University.
Sandra is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. A private remembrance for family is planned. Donations in Sandra’s name may be made to the Green Mountain Club.
