Florence M. Bunnett

Florence Marie (Siegrist) Bunnett of Lakewood, California peacefully passed on November 2nd, 2022, after a brief illness at the age of 83. She was born November 28th, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ernest and Louise (Schikowski) Siegrist, in the same family home where both her mother and brother Ernie had been born.

After a vacation to California in 1954 to visit a relative, her family liked it so much that they sold all their belongings, including their long-time family home, and moved to Long Beach, California. She graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach and then studied music and elementary education at Long Beach City College. She married Rev. Robert William Bunnett on June 21st, 1959, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Long Beach, California, and they celebrated 63 years of married life together. Following her marriage, they moved back to the Chicago, Illinois, area, where Robert served as pastor at parishes in Lombard, Northlake, Batavia, and Park Ridge. Later, they returned to California when he was installed as pastor at their family parish, Bethany Lutheran Church.

Florence initially cared for her children in their homes, then spent many years as a secretary, office administrator, and librarian in various schools and churches. She was musically gifted as a pianist and vocalist, sharing those gifts in churches and convalescent homes, teaching music in schools, and accompanying young musicians. Florence traveled extensively with her husband and friends to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and treasured her special visit to the Holy Land retracing Jesus’ footsteps. One of her favorite destinations was Maui, Hawaii, where she and Robert returned again and again over many years.

Florence is survived by her husband, Robert W. Bunnett; son, Robert E. Bunnett (Borbala), and daughters Cheryl B. Schrader (Jeffrey), and Tami Bunnett-Buma (William); grandchildren Matthew W. Bunnett, Andrew J. Schrader (Amanda), Ella Marie B. Schrader, Sophia I. Bunnett, Benjamin R. Bunnett, and Allen Buma (Tiffany); great-grandchildren Edmond A. Schrader, Emmett Schrader, Ramzie Buma, Symphonie Buma, and Cyrus Buma; brother Ernest A. Siegrist; sisters-in-law Thekla Bunnett and Jane Bunnett; and many nieces and nephews.

Florence led a life based on “JOY,” which consisted of putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. She was a faithful follower of Christ and will be greatly missed by all.