Lorelei C. Bruneau

Lorelei C. Bruneau 77, danced her way to heaven on August 30, 2025. A Catholic Mass will be later this Fall. She will be laid to rest beside her parents in Calvary Cemetery.

Lorelei entered this world in Yankton, South Dakota on September 9, 1947. She was the eldest of seven born to Jim and Millie Smith (Bouska).

She graduated from Heelan High School in 1965. Lorie worked various secretarial positions where she was known for efficiency. She held leadership positions at Direct Transit and Gateway later in her life.

Lorelei married her high school sweetheart, Tom Bruneau. She became a stay at home mom to Becky and Ben, raising them on their South Dakota farm.  Her favorite tradition was celebrating the Fourth of July with family, friends, food, and fireworks on the farm.

Lorie loved all kinds of music. She taught her siblings to dance to the Beatles, Mamas and Papas, Cher. Later, she danced with her children and grandchildren. She loved to read. She was a great story teller and had a wicked sense of humor which lasted until her passing. She was young at heart and enjoyed watching movies and playing with her grandchildren.  She was a good friend and listener. She was a fiercely independent woman. She always had encouraging words of wisdom and taught her children to reach for their dreams.

Lorelei is survived by her children; Becky Hittle (Steve) and Ben (Mai) Bruneau of the Washington DC area. Her grandchildren; Frannie and James Hittle and Gabby Bruneau. Lorelei is also survived by her siblings; Kevin Smith (Debbie), Collette McCullough (Jim), Shannon Smith (Jen) and Shavonne Kopal (Joe) of Sioux City, Colin Smith (Laura) of Savannah, GA, and Mary Doerr (Chris) Urbandale, IA. She is survived by nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  We love her and Jesus loves her. Rest well dear love.