Cynthia Ruth (Harvey) Bruneaux

Cynthia Ruth Bruneaux, aged 83 of Bristol, RI, died peacefully in Midway, Kentucky on June 25th, 2026 in the presence of her eldest son, David.

Born Cynthia Ruth Harvey on March 26th, 1943, Cynthia was raised in Harrisonville, Missouri, spending time playing on her grandparents' large farm.

After graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in French, she moved to Paris where she met Gilles Bruneaux on the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, 1966. He proposed two weeks later; they were married that New Year's Eve.

Cynthia and Gilles lived with their growing family in Versailles before moving to the United States, initially to a cattle farm in Missouri in 1977 and then to Rhode Island in 1981. They adored the historic East Bay town of Bristol, retiring to their beloved Hope Street home where they enjoyed watching the sunsets on Bristol Harbor and celebrating the town's historic Fourth of July parade.

Cynthia would walk the nearby bike trail and loved seeing the birds and other wildlife. Family and friends frequently gathered at the Bristol home for warm company, laughter, and great food and wine. Cynthia's Catholic faith was profoundly important to her; she and Gilles were dedicated members of St. Mary's Church where they assisted with Mass.

Cynthia was a devoted wife and mother. She lived a moral, spiritual life. She gave freely of herself in a manner that showed generosity, patience and self-sacrifice for the betterment of her family and community.

Cynthia is survived by her children David Bruneaux of Lawrenceburg, Ky., Mathieu Bruneaux of Canterbury, Conn.; Lucille Bess (Bruneaux) Mehring of Providence, R.I.; Luke Bruneaux of East Providence, R.I.; Judith Verez of Monaco; her grandchildren Serena, Dartagnan, Julien, Sophie, Claire, Violet and Phoebe Bruneaux; Cole Mehring; Marc-Antoine and Richard Lainé; and Charles Verez. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Claire Bruneaux of Paris, nephew Philippe Hennechart and niece Isabelle Kerber of Moselle, France. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilles Bruneaux, her parents Roy and Lucille Harvey, and her brother Roy Wise Harvey.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, July 2nd, 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol, R.I.. Burial will follow at North Burial Ground in Bristol.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, July 1st from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, R.I.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church.

For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com