Priscilla Bruce Temple

Priscilla Bruce Temple, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the age of 89. Born on January 31, 1936, in New York City, Priscilla grew up in Douglaston, Long Island, before her family moved to Cross River, New York, at the onset of World War II. She attended Lewisboro Elementary School, Northfield School for Girls, and later, Connecticut College, where she began her college journey before moving to New York City to work at Best & Company department store.

Priscilla was passionate about ballet from a young age, studying under the renowned Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. Her early ballet training took place in New Canaan, Connecticut, with her mother, who drove her to classes. This love of dance would stay with her throughout her life, and she danced with a ballet company in Honolulu during her years in Hawaii.

In 1956, Priscilla married Hunter Temple in Riverdale, New York, beginning a life together that would span nearly seven decades. Their first daughter, Elizabeth, was born in a snowstorm in Hamilton, New York, while Hunter was studying at Colgate University. After his graduation, they moved to Hawaii, where Hunter took a teaching position at Punahou School, and the couple embraced the warmth of the islands. During their time in Hawaii, Priscilla’s interests in community service began to flourish. She worked as a candy striper at the hospital and engaged with the Junior League, always seeking ways to help others.

While in Hawaii, Priscilla and Hunter built two homes in Honolulu and lived there for ten years. Following a sabbatical in Indiana, where Hunter earned his MA at Purdue University, they returned to Hawaii, and Hunter took on a role at the University of Hawaii as the Director of Economic Education. Their next move brought them to the Bay Area, where they spent several years in Menlo Park and Palo Alto, while Hunter got his PhD at Stanford University. During this time, Priscilla worked in retail management and also pursued studies at San Jose State University, focusing on marketing and advertising.

The next chapter of their life took them to Hudson, Ohio, where Hunter became the headmaster at Western Reserve Academy (WRA). In Ohio, Priscilla taught dance and graciously entertained faculty and guests at WRA. From there, the family moved to Los Angeles, where Hunter became headmaster at Brentwood School. Over the course of 25 years, Priscilla contributed to the school’s growth and success, working in the bookstore, revamping its inventory, and helping to increase revenue. She also directed community service efforts at the school, with a focus on feeding the homeless in Santa Monica and supporting underserved schools.

Priscilla’s love for animals, particularly shelter dogs, was well known. Over the years, she and Hunter adopted at least seven dogs, often living with as many as five at a time. Her compassion for all living creatures extended to the natural world around her, as she cared for birds, rabbits, and even relocated spiders with tenderness.

In their later years, Priscilla and Hunter retired to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they became active members of the community. Priscilla volunteered with the Santa Fe Symphony, Santa Fe Prep, and various local afterschool programs, always eager to make a positive impact. An avid painter, Priscilla found joy in the vibrant colors and landscapes of New Mexico, and her creative spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Priscilla was known for her gentle nature, her heart of gold, and her unwavering kindness. She was deeply devoted to her family, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her compassion, generosity, and love for life will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Priscilla is survived by her loving husband, Hunter Temple; her daughters, Elizabeth and Laura; her son, Sydney; her grandchildren, Rachel, Kaila, Conor, Josh, and Logan; and her first great-grandchild, Ren. She will be dearly missed by all of her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.

The family will be holding a private celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter in her memory.