Betty Ann Brugger (nee: Swindawicz) 82, Racine, formerly of the south side of Milwaukee, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Ascension All Saints Hospital.

She was born in Milwaukee on August 27, 1943 to the late John and Jeanette (nee: Rakowski) Swindawicz. Betty lived most of her adult life on the northside of Racine.

Betty was a 1962 graduate of Pulaski High School. She was an employed with Rainfair Inc. until her retirement in 2005. Betty proudly served as President for Local # 187 International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union.

After 28 years together, she married Carl Brugger on October 4, 2005. They were inseparable and blessed with 21 years of marriage.

Betty was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed the outdoors; being up north, camping, sitting by the bonfire and watching the deer and turkeys. She liked gardening and watching the birds. Betty was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and loved watching Indy and NASCAR racing. Betty had attended 33 Indianapolis 500 races and 25 Brick Yard 400 NASCAR races. She also enjoyed going to local festivals and trips to the casino.

She is survived by her husband Carl Brugger; her children Edward (Alice) Strzelecki, Tamara (Kevin) McCarthy, Pamela (Joseph) Mayer; her step-son Matthew Brugger; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law Lynn Swindawicz. Betty is further survived by her best friends Joan Atkinson and Bernie Piatt; other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her brother John Swindawicz.

A memorial service for Betty will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Purath-Strand Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.