BUNN, OWENS

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, January 14, 2013 at 04:53:55 :

The Marin Journal
Thursday, June 26, 1902
page 6

NELLIE BUNN

You will find the cold facts in the obituary column. To the stranger that is all. Died in the California hospital, Los Angeles, such a day; buried from her sister's home on Sunday.

But to her life-long friends in San Rafael, Oh, God, how pitiful, now tragic, now pathetic. Orphaned in infancy, she never knew the closest ties of home. But kind hearts took her in, and her childhood was bright in her foster parents' home. Then her brave spirit asserted itself, and she bent herself to the task of self-support. On borrowed funds, secured by life insurance, she entered the Normal, and bravely fitted herself to teach. Thus far she succeeded. Never lacked a situation, for her heroism, courage, and grace of character surrounded her with staunch friends. But then came physical ills. She had to exchange for a hospital; and then the surgeon's knife. Once, twice, thrice she had to close the school door for the doctor's cot. And still she bravely bore up, showing more real heroism than any battlefield could call for.

Last week she wrote to a friend in San Rafael; "I know you will be glad to learn that I am quite myself. You know of old how I thrive on operations. Well, 'tis the same old tale. I'm still on my back." Further on in the letter she spoke of some teacher friends who were coming north and hoped they could visit her Aunty Bunn's camp. And then, a few days later she folded her hands and closed the battle.

So young and yet so tired. So buffeted, and yet so brave. Farewell, you good, true girl. You had the stuff heroes are made of. Your heroic life will be an inspiration to those who knew and loved you, and what greater praise than this can be spoken of any life?

Nellie Bunn was a teacher in Santa Paula School, from which she went to the California Hospital, Los Angeles. She improved after surgical treatment, and seemed on the way to recovery. Her death was therefore a terrible shock to her many friends. She was buried last Sunday from the home of her sister, Mrs. Owens, of Saticoy, Ventura County.