Dana Charlene Tressie Houston-Bruce, 81, of Rio Rancho, NM passed suddenly a day before her eighty-second birthday on June 25, 2026. She was born on June 26, 1944, and was a native of Albuquerque, NM. She was married to Leonard L. Bruce for 30 years. She was the mother of three children. As a child, her love for music encouraged her to learn to play the piano. Her first piano lesson was at the age of 5. Her piano lessons continued until she was in junior high school. She was a member of Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church from birth to her senior years. She served in the capacity as a pianist, usher, sang in the choir as well as served as a missionary.

Dana worked as an accountant in her tours-of-duty with the Federa Government, both overseas and in the US for a number of years and retired in 2000. After her retirement from the Federal Government, she completed beauty school and obtained her license as a hairdresser, and performed in that capacity for several years.

Dana is predeceased by her birth parents, Christina Houston and William C. Houston. She is survived by her siblings Christina Houston of Rio Rancho, NM, Louella Pointer and spouse Robert of Dallas, TX, William C. Houston Ill of Santa Fe, NM; daughters Nina Custard and spouse William Custard of Rio Rancho, NM, Charlotte D. Bruce-Lowe of Tulsa, OK, son Derek L. Bruce of Albuquerque, NM and step-daughter Francesca Desangleau of San Diego, CA. She leaves behind grandchildren Ryan and Noah Rosa of Albuquerque NM, Dwayne and LaTonya Bruce of Tulsa OK, Aubry Lowe of San Jose, CA, Jasmine Renee Lewis and spouse Eric of Albuquerque, NM, Vanessa Monee Montano and spouse Matthew of Aubrey TX, Dante Jovan Bruce, Armani Leonard Dre Bruce and Trinity Ann Monique Bruce, all from Albuquerque, NM. She leaves behind several great-grandchildren and numerous cousins and friends.

Dana's request was to be cremated. A special thanks to the staff at Morning Star Assisted Living in Rio Rancho for assisting with Dana's care.

Private Viewing 

July 16, 2026, at 9am

Carlisle Chapel

Public Viewing & Visitation

July 16, 2026, at 10am

Carlisle Chapel

Funeral Service

July 16, 2026, at 11am

Carlisle Chapel

For those unable to attend in person, the family welcomes you to join the service virtually or view the recording later using the following link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=e4553629-bb67-4a00-b7d9-3d6257eab789