MHADRTA Honours Julia Bruins-Jacober with a Life Membership

In June, we took the opportunity to recognize and honour Julia Bruins-Jacober with a Life Membership in Medicine Hat and District Retired Teachers' Association (MHADRTA). Julia is a long-time member of our branch who regularly attends meetings and events.

The youngest of seven children, Julia was born to landed immigrants from Hungary and grew up on a farm southeast of Bow Island. After graduating in Bow Island, Julia pursued university in Edmonton. Her teaching career led her to all parts of the province, beginning in Foremost and including Bow Island, Fort McMurray, and Taber until settling in Medicine Hat. Julia taught at several schools in the Medicine Hat Catholic system before retiring in 1995.

Upon retirement, Julia was not idle and found employment in a women’s clothing store. She also continued to be an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the Medicine Hat Historical Society. Julia is a Past Regent of the Women of the Moose Lodge, and holds life memberships with the Alberta Teachers’ Association as well as MHADRTA.

In her earlier years, Julia loved skiing, curling, live theatre, collecting antiques, and travelling. Her travels have been extensive, visiting every Canadian province and several continents worldwide, including three trips to her parents’ homeland of Hungary to visit relatives.

Julia is twice widowed, losing her first husband, Norm Bruins, in 1986, and her second husband, Elmer Jacober, in 2023. She is the proud mother of a daughter, Candace, who resides in Radium, British Columbia, and one granddaughter, Tabitha, living in Calgary.

Julia was honoured with a Life Member certificate, a bouquet of flowers, and a free lunch. Congratulations, Julia!

Mel Deydey
Past President, MHADRTA