Bernice S. Bunzey

Bernice Shultes Bunzey'Guilderland

Bernice Bunzey, 98, formally of Berne, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland. Born January 11, 1924, the daughter of the late Verni and Mertie [Barber] Shultes, she grew up on their family farm in West Berne, N.Y. She was predeceased by her loving husband, of 59 years, Kenneth R. Bunzey.

Bernice was a 1940 graduate of Berne-Knox High School. She worked as a secretary to the High School Principal shortly after graduation and later the Hartford Insurance Co. and General Electric. Bernice and Ken were married in 1943, while he was in the Army and
before he went overseas. After his discharge, they purchased a home in Berne in 1947 where they raised their family. After giving birth to 2 daughters and a son, Bernice worked for Hannay Hose Reel Co. in Westerlo, NY, as a receptionist and switchboard operator for 35 years until her retirement.

Bernice was a gregarious person, loved going to parties, picnic's, camping, boating, and loved to travel. While their children were growing up, they owned a camp on Great Sacandaga Lake and enjoyed years of boating, swimming and water skiing. Some of Bernices's many hobbies included cooking, reading, solving crossword puzzles, gardening, quilting, and bowling. She had an average of 160+ and bowled until she was 85. She and her husband travelled to Hawaii, Bermuda and toured seven countries in Europe, as well as going on several cruises.
After retirement they spent winters in Summerfield, Florida for nearly 30 years.

Bernice was a lifelong member Helderberg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Berne and an associate member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Summerfield, Florida.

She is predeceased by her parents; and her siblings, Charles Keith Shultes; Millard Shultes; and Margaret 'Peg' Hayden.

Bernice is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law Barbara (Steven) Rivenburgh of Middleburgh; Karen (Charles) Viviano of Ravena; and a son and daughter-in-law Kenneth (Karen) Bunzey of Berne; nine grandchildren, Kevin (Stephanie) Krause; Todd Krause; Brenda McDermott; Bonnie (Joseph) Foland; Bradley (Vicki) Bouck; Kendall (Timothy) Kirsch; Bryan Viviano; Kelly Viviano; Lee (Cary) Carr; also 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchilden; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Je' Silvernail for his supportive visits, as well as Pastor Doug from Hospice, and the Sta' of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center and the 'Angel' Nurses from Hospice and Palliative Care Association, for their kindness and exceptional care at the end of Bernice's life.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside committal service will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Berne, NY in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bernice's name are requested be made to: Helderberg Evangelical Lutheran Church, Berne, NY, Berne Ambulance Corp., Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Albany, NY.