Barbara Faye Bundesen

Barbara Faye Sumner Bundesen passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on February 24, 2013 at her home in Petaluma surrounded by her family and her cats. Barbara's husband, Herbert, preceded her in death in 2011. He was a longtime Realtor in Petaluma. They shared 64 wonderful years together. She is survived by those that loved her: daughter, Ann Aaker (Bill) of Sacramento; daughter, Jan Alexander; and son, Karl Bundesen (Mimi) all of Petaluma. She is also survived by four grandchildren that made her a proud and grateful grandmother. Chris Aaker of San Diego, Jenni Aaker of New York, Cecil Bundesen of Petaluma & CSU, Chico, and Augie Bundesen of Petaluma all adored their "Oma". Barbara was born to Fred and Fanchon Sumner in Long Beach, CA in 1922. She had a brother, Stanley, who died at age 11. Barbara earned her BS degree from UC Berkeley in Nutrition in 1944. Following college she worked for doctors that specialized in ear, nose and throat conditions. She met Herb on a blind date, fell in love and moved to Petaluma. Although she was raised a "city girl" in Oakland she loved country living and life in Petaluma while staying connected to lifelong friends in Oakland. She will be remembered for always finding beauty and pleasure in the simple things like a newborn lamb that she helped deliver, a good book, a piece of art, gardening and beautiful flowers, conversations with friends, book club, cooking, sewing and traveling. Her kind and gentle ways, easy smile and generous spirit will always be remembered. Barbara was a member of the United Church of Christ for over 50 years and sang in the choir many of those years. Barbara enjoyed being involved in the community and participated in the Petaluma Camera Club, Petaluma Garden Club and AAUW. She was a volunteer for FISH and for the Petaluma library among other community activities. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts, a leader in Campfire Girls and 4-H, along with teaching Sunday School. A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Christ, 825 Middlefield Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952 on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the United Church of Christ. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma.