This weekend I had the sad experience of attending the memorial service of a dear family friend, Monika Bunney. She was one of my mom's closest friends and the mother of my brother's best friend. She passed away far too soon after a battle with cancer. She leaves behind a wonderful husband, two married children, 6 grandchildren, and scores of friends. I am heartbroken for those she left behind.
This lovely woman was a fixture in our family; a player in all the great acts of my life. She was there when I celebrated my high school and college graduations, engagement party, bridal shower, wedding, and baby shower, not to mention the countless holidays and family gatherings she was a part of over the past 25 years. I spent the majority of 4th of July's of my youth swimming in the Bunneys' pool and watching her son and my brother light off fireworks in front of their house. She was always ready for a glass of wine and a chat in the back yard. She was funny and spunky and loved my mom and stepdad and brother so much. It always made me happy that they all had each other since I wasn't close by. I will always be grateful for the joy she brought into my mom's life, the shoulder she provided her when I couldn't be there, and the unwavering friendship she offered. Moni will be ever present in the memories of the Sheehan/Bakken/Johnson family.
She leaves behind a legacy of friendship and love that is widespread among all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Visitors to the Bunney Hut will forever miss their hostess, but are infinitely better people for having been her guests.
Monika Bunney
February 4, 1942 - August 12, 2010
