Marie Sundman Bremser

Thursday, 05 November 2009 10:40

Marie Sundman Bremser of South Burlington, Vt., a former resident of New Canaan, died October 27.

Ms. Bremser was born in 1928 in Glen Ridge, N.J., to John R. Sundman and Lillian (Hudson) Sundman. She grew up in Caldwell, N.J., where she worked as a secretary before her marriage to George Bremser Jr. in 1952.

Ms. Bremser and her growing family lived in Bogotá, Colombia, and several places in New Jersey before settling in New Canaan, where she lived from 1963 to 1983. Her time in Colombia kindled a lifelong interest in Latin American culture and the Spanish language, according to those who knew her.

Ms. Bremser fit in college courses part time before enrolling at the Center for Continuing Education at Sarah Lawrence College, from which she earned her bachelor of arts degree in 1976. She later earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Bridgeport.

Once on her own, Ms. Bremser moved to Amherst, Mass., and then to Burlington in 1992.

“The daughter of immigrants, she treasured her American citizenship as well as her Finnish and Irish heritage,” said family members. “She was a frequent volunteer in her communities and her churches and particularly enjoyed her work as a Girl Scout leader in New Canaan.”

Ms. Bremser’s service at Fletcher Allen Hospital in Burlington and elsewhere was informed by her membership in a number of Christian groups. Her talents included painting, knitting, needlepoint and completing The New York Times Sunday crossword in pen, family members said.

“She loved books and music and any chance to practice her Spanish,” they added.

Ms. Bremser was a member of reading and writing groups, and a “fierce proponent of proper spelling and grammar.” She adored her grandchildren, said her family.

Ms. Bremser is survived by her son Christian Bremser and his wife, Jennine Heller, of San Francisco, Calif.; her daughters Priscilla Bremser and Steven Maier of Middlebury, Vt., Martha Bremser and Mark Hawkins-Dady of London, England, and Sarah Bremser of Honolulu; her brother John Sundman and his wife, Margaret; her grandchildren: Eric, Jeffrey and Brian Maier of Middlebury; James Hawkins-Dady of London, and Malia McCormick of Honolulu; Mary Anne Hoyt Poatsy and her family of Salfordville, Pa.; her cousins Mary Ellen Kuist and Harry Seebode, and many nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Ms. Bremser’s name may be made to slc.edu/giving or Sarah Lawrence College (designation: Center for Continuing Education), 1 Mead Way, Bronxville, N.Y. 10708.