Member of Armbruster florist family dies

In this 2010 file photo, Tracy Armbruster, the lead designer at Armbruster Florist Inc. in Middletown, puts together a Mothers Day arrangement. Armbruster died May 1 at age 49. STAFF FILE PHOTO

In this 2010 file photo, Tracy Armbruster, the lead designer at Armbruster Florist Inc. in Middletown, puts together a Mothers Day arrangement. Armbruster died May 1 at age 49. STAFF FILE PHOTO

The lead designer at a Middletown florist business died Monday morning.

Tracy Armbruster, a 1985 Middletown High School graduate, was 49. She died of natural causes, said her brother, Matthew Armbruster, president of Armbruster Florist Inc.

His sister was an artist and a “world-class designer and a world-class person,” he said.

“She was a fun loving sister and daughter,” her brother said. “She would do anything for anyone.”

Armbruster spent her entire life working at the florist and loved “creating lovely flowers,” her brother said.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home, followed by the service at 7 p.m.

Her father, James Armbruster, owner of the business that was established in 1945 and a former city council member, died in 2010. He was 66. A 5.8-acre nature preserve in Middletown is named after the Armbruster family.

Tracy Armbruster is survived by her mother, Melinda, brothers Jim II and Matthew, and nieces and nephews.

Matthew Armbruster said in the hours since his sister’s death, he has received more than 100 phone calls, emails and text messages from family, friends and business associates. He called the response from the community “wonderful” and said it showed his sister was admired.

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