Halimah Brugger

Halimah Elaine Louise Maurey Brugger, age 82, passed away on February 9, 2025, with both of her daughters by her side. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, Halimah dedicated her life to her family, her students, and her community; she was a treasure among fellow musicians and music teachers, not only admired but loved. 

Born on August 22, 1942, in Indianapolis, IN, Halimah was the daughter of Eugene Maurey and Patricia Lydia Keiser. From a very young age, it was clear that she was very musically gifted. Halimah studied piano and cello, and as a youngster won piano competitions and earned opportunities to attend prestigious music schools such as Interlochen Arts Academy and other renowned summer music programs.

Halimah graduated with honors from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis before pursuing her studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where she trained under Cecile Genhart, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees cum laude. As a Fulbright Scholar, she studied at the Royal Academy of Music in England with Harold Craxton, continuing her education at Columbia University with Martin Canin in New York City. Many years later, she completed a second MFA in ethnomusicology from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

During her undergraduate years, Halimah discovered Subud, a spiritual organization originating in Indonesia, which profoundly shaped her life. Driven by an adventurous spirit, she sold her piano to afford a trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, in the late 1960s. There, she found and married her soulmate, Sofyan John Howard Brugger, an Oxford-educated linguist who worked for the BBC, Jakarta International School, UNESCO, and UNICEF. They built a life together in Jakarta, raising their three children—Kailani, Rizwati (Riz), and Sailan— making Indonesia their home for 30 years.

Halimah was a highly respected music educator at the Jakarta International School, where she prepared students for international competitions, and served as an adjudicator for the Southeast Asian Cultural Conventions in Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, and Taipei. A highlight of her JIS days was taking her top choir students, (the Joint Sound ensemble), on a benefit tour to Sydney, Australia, and all over Indonesia, in support of Indonesian charities. She was deeply involved in the arts community, directing choirs, accompanying high school musicals, and organizing master classes. In her final years in Indonesia, she founded the International Music Foundation School and co-founded the International Chamber Music Society. Shortly before returning to the U.S. in 1997, she served on the international jury for the Indonesian Nationwide Pianist Competition, sponsored by Yamaha Corporation.

Upon returning to the United States to be closer to family, Halimah accepted a position as a professor of piano at Boise State University. She quickly became a beloved figure in the Boise music community, mentoring students, serving as an adjudicator, and holding leadership roles in Boise Tuesday Musicale, where she was a former President, Vice President, Awards Chair, and Festival Chair. Known for her generosity, wit, and boundless enthusiasm, Halimah uplifted young musicians, believing deeply in their potential, not just in music but as human beings. Her students have often expressed their gratitude not only for her piano instruction but also for teaching them so much more about life.

Beyond music, Halimah was passionate about service. She served on the board of Susila Dharma USA and in various capacities for Subud. As the mother of a son born with Down syndrome, she and her family were actively involved in several organizations supporting those with disabilities most notably Special Olympics, and Halimah also led a bell choir for disabled adults in Boise.

Halimah is survived by her three children: Kailani Elaine Ward (Matthew) of Winston-Salem, NC; Riz Louise Brugger-White (Stephen) of Edmond, OK; and Sailan Brugger of Boise, ID. She also leaves behind her siblings: Edward Maurey (Carol) of New Brunswick, Canada; Carol Maurey Bellows (Scott) of Portland, OR; and William Maurey (Julie) of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio. And her eleven grandchildren: Mahallia Pollard (Hadrian), Madelyn Morgan (Henry), Rohima Ward, Calvin Brugger-White, Bella Ward, Elise White, Alexis Ward, Hannah White, Robert Brugger-White, Benjamin Ward, and Max Brugger-White, along with four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her one, and only one (!) husband of 50 years, Sofyan John Brugger, her parents, and her brothers John Maurey and Eugene Peter Maurey.

Halimah was a big light who will continue to shine in all who were blessed to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks (date TBD). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in Halimah’s honor or contributing to the Tuesday Musicale Halimah Brugger Memorial Scholarship, which will support young pianists in their musical journeys. Contributions may be sent to Boise Tuesday Musicale Treasurer, Linda Weeks, 6004 S. Pierre Way, Boise, ID 83716 (please note “Award” on the check).