Kazuko "Kay" Clara Bruinsma

Kay was born on November 3, 1937, in Tokyo, Japan, to Juichi and Tatsue Kuwana. In the early 1960s, she came to the United States to pursue advanced musical studies, earning a Master’s Degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.

A gifted concert violinist, Kay enjoyed a distinguished musical career. She married Frank Bruinsma in 1968, and together they performed with the Kansas City, Houston, and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras. Later, she devoted herself to teaching voice, piano, and violin in Springfield, Missouri, and at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, inspiring generations of students through her knowledge, encouragement, and high standards. In addition to her musical work, Kay served as an interpreter for Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, and AISIN in Marion, Illinois, helping bridge cultural and language differences between Japanese and American colleagues.

Kay was a lifelong Episcopalian who treasured good food, lively conversation, and the company of good friends. She was known for speaking her mind and for her unwillingness to put up with much nonsense. Even in her later years, residents and staff at Homestead Living knew that if things became too noisy, Kay would not hesitate to call out a firm “QUIET!” to restore order. Her honesty, wit, intelligence, and strength of character left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Paul Bruinsma of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; her daughter, Rica Bruinsma of Madison, Wisconsin; her sister, Sachiko Yagami of Tokyo, Japan; and her cherished granddaughters, Sophia and Ellie of Wayne City, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Bruinsma, and her parents, Juichi and Tatsue Kuwana.

A Universal Worship Service celebrating Kay’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Gates of Heaven Synagogue in Madison, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kay’s memory to Threshold Singers of Madison.

Kay will be remembered for her love of music, devotion to her family and friends, and the honesty and spirit that remained with her throughout her life.