Annelise Bellue Bruce

March 21, 1961 - March 26, 2025

Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend

Annelise Bellue Bruce sadly left this world unexpectedly at the age of 64 on March 26, 2025, in Bakersfield, after a life richly-lived in service and kindness. Her beautiful soul and bright light will continue to shine eternally in ethereal form.

Annelise was born in Pasadena, California on March 21, 1961, to Robert Kelly Bellue and Nancy Palmer Bellue. She spent her early years in Pasadena with her brothers Stephen, Peter, Christian, Robin, and Kelly. The family subsequently moved to Bakersfield in 1970 when her father joined the Kern County Water Agency as Chief Engineer.

Annelise and her family were ardent mainstays at the Bakersfield Racquet Club throughout her formative years, playing in a multitude of tournaments and housing numerous tennis players from across the country. Her USTA ranking belied an extraordinary talent who served and returned with the grace of a champion.

Annelise and her brothers grew up in the idyllic neighborhood of Westchester on Cedar Street. She attended Franklin Elementary, Emerson Junior High, and Bakersfield High School. While at BHS, she played Varsity Tennis for four years and was a Varsity Driller cheerleader.

Annelise attended San Diego State University, obtaining a dual degree in Journalism and Child Development. Following graduation, she worked for San Francisco Magazine and was featured on its cover on two occasions. She later worked in the modeling and talent industries in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles before returning to Bakersfield to marry Bill Bruce in 1997.

In 1998 their union was blessed with the birth of their son Conor, with whom she enjoyed a special mother-son bond. She was also a loving and caring stepmother to Bianca Bruce Vinson. Her sweet personality and warmth endeared her to many. When she wasn't visiting Conor at Cal Poly or on the tennis court, she was enjoying time with family and friends.

Annelise was preceded in death by her father Robert K. Bellue, brothers Stephen and Peter Bellue, and nephew Brock Bellue. Her vibrant presence will be sorely missed and she will be forever loved by her husband Bill, son Conor, mother Nancy, stepdaughter Bianca Vinson (Sean), grandson Theo Vinson, her brothers Christian (Kristen), Robin (Heather), and Kelly Bellue, sister-in-law Colleen Bellue, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

If we are lucky, and in the right place at the right time, someone amazing can fall into our lives. For many, Annelise was that person.

Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 25, 2025, at 12 noon at Villa Ivy Bakersfield, 712 19th Street. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Annelises memory may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org/southern-california.