1925
Katherine
2017
Katherine Smolnycki Bunn
May 31, 1925 — November 25, 2017
Katherine (Smolnycki) Bunn, 92, of Syracuse, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2017 at The Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.
Kate's family includes her sons, Timothy (Nancy Grady) of Marcellus and Patrick (Esther Kantz) of Lake Ariel, PA; daughters, Maribeth (Ted) Kaptchuk of Cambridge, MA and Geraldine (Stephen Onderdonk) of Voorheesville; grandchildren, Gabriel Kaptchuk, Jake Onderdonk, Katie Onderdonk, Anna Onderdonk, Jean Milman, LeighAnn Milman; and great-grandchildren, Matthew Onderdonk, Mason Stidom, and Matthew Ludak.
Katherine was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Hollstein and Helen Fatcheric; brothers, Harry and William Smolnycki; granddaughter, Jessica Onderdonk; and former husband, John.
Katherine was born May 31, 1925, to Thomas and Anna (Bodner) Smolnycki. She was the youngest and last surviving sibling.
As a child, Kate lived with her family on Lydell St. in Syracuse's West End. After graduating from Blodgett Vocational High School, she worked as a clerk-typist at Rome Air Base during World War II.
In January 1946, she married John Stewart Bunn. As a Navy wife and mother, she lived in Charleston, SC; Norfolk VA; Newport, RI; Philadelphia, PA; Wickford, RI; Brunswick, GA; Quincy, MA; Daytona Beach, FL; and Bremerton, WA.
In 1961, the family returned to Syracuse. She started her career with the Social Security Administration as a clerk-typist and ultimately retired as a claims representative in the Syracuse office, with brief assignments in Rochester and Schenectady.
Throughout her career, Kate was an active member of the American Federation of Government Employees Union. She served as president of the AFGE union local in Syracuse. Upon her retirement, AFGE national president Kenneth T. Blaylock, praised her key role in helping to consolidate AFGE locals into a larger local that embodied several Social Security Offices and in forming the Northern New York Council of AFGE Locals. She remained involved as a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association for many years.
Until she moved in with her daughter Geraldine in 2013, Kate lived for a decade in her own home on Chester Road in Westvale.
Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, November 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 29 at 10 a.m. in The Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, 4782 W. Seneca Turnpike. Katherine will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Geddes.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Lucy's Church, 432 Gifford St., Syracuse, NY 13204.
Share condolences at www.BuranichFH.com
Kate's family includes her sons, Timothy (Nancy Grady) of Marcellus and Patrick (Esther Kantz) of Lake Ariel, PA; daughters, Maribeth (Ted) Kaptchuk of Cambridge, MA and Geraldine (Stephen Onderdonk) of Voorheesville; grandchildren, Gabriel Kaptchuk, Jake Onderdonk, Katie Onderdonk, Anna Onderdonk, Jean Milman, LeighAnn Milman; and great-grandchildren, Matthew Onderdonk, Mason Stidom, and Matthew Ludak.
Katherine was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Hollstein and Helen Fatcheric; brothers, Harry and William Smolnycki; granddaughter, Jessica Onderdonk; and former husband, John.
Katherine was born May 31, 1925, to Thomas and Anna (Bodner) Smolnycki. She was the youngest and last surviving sibling.
As a child, Kate lived with her family on Lydell St. in Syracuse's West End. After graduating from Blodgett Vocational High School, she worked as a clerk-typist at Rome Air Base during World War II.
In January 1946, she married John Stewart Bunn. As a Navy wife and mother, she lived in Charleston, SC; Norfolk VA; Newport, RI; Philadelphia, PA; Wickford, RI; Brunswick, GA; Quincy, MA; Daytona Beach, FL; and Bremerton, WA.
In 1961, the family returned to Syracuse. She started her career with the Social Security Administration as a clerk-typist and ultimately retired as a claims representative in the Syracuse office, with brief assignments in Rochester and Schenectady.
Throughout her career, Kate was an active member of the American Federation of Government Employees Union. She served as president of the AFGE union local in Syracuse. Upon her retirement, AFGE national president Kenneth T. Blaylock, praised her key role in helping to consolidate AFGE locals into a larger local that embodied several Social Security Offices and in forming the Northern New York Council of AFGE Locals. She remained involved as a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association for many years.
Until she moved in with her daughter Geraldine in 2013, Kate lived for a decade in her own home on Chester Road in Westvale.
Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, November 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 29 at 10 a.m. in The Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, 4782 W. Seneca Turnpike. Katherine will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Geddes.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Lucy's Church, 432 Gifford St., Syracuse, NY 13204.
Share condolences at www.BuranichFH.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Katherine Smolnycki Bunn, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Buranich Funeral Home
Service
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
The Church of St. Michael & St. Peter
Guestbook
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