Dawn Bunker Credit: Courtesy Dawn Marie Bunker (née Kolodziej), a beloved wife, mother, sister, nurse and friend, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, in Essex Junction, Vt. Born on May 2, 1939, in Amsterdam, N.Y., Dawn lived a full life marked by dedication to her family, her friends, her p rofession and her passions. Dawn grew up in Amsterdam and learned the value of hard work and discipline while helping her parents out working at the family bar and restaurant. She enjoyed summer days at her family’s camp on Galway Lake, a place that would be special to her family her whole life. Dawn graduated from the University of Vermont School of Nursing in 1961 and started her career at the VA Hospital in Albany, N.Y., where she provided compassionate care to veterans. She soon moved to California to marry the love of her life and worked at Stanford University Medical Center before pausing her professional journey to focus on raising her family. As an empty nester in her forties, Dawn resumed her nursing with renewed vigor, holding positions at Fanny Allen Hospital and the UVM Medical Center. Her patients and colleagues alike admired her exceptional care, uplifting personality and boundless energy. Dawn was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Clarence Bunker; her parents, Edward Kolodziej and Stanislawa Kuk; and her brother David Kolodziej. She is survived by her children, Sarah Bunker, Christopher Bunker and Stephen Bunker; as well as her brother Timothy Kolojay and his wife, Sandy. A devoted mother and active participant in her children’s lives, Dawn embraced every opportunity to support their endeavors, serving as a Cub Scout and Brownies leader, Little League umpiring commissioner, and assistant high school tennis coach. She instilled her love of the outdoors and sports, including hiking, boating, fishing and camping, into her children, and she was a skilled athlete in her own right as an avid golf and tennis player. Dawn’s thirst for knowledge and personal development never ceased; she was an avid reader and was constantly taking classes to enrich her life. Her culinary talents were legendary among family and friends, and her meals were always the highlights of gatherings both large and small. She cherished her close friendships, and the fun times with her bridge friends were a true source of joy for Dawn. Those who knew Dawn will remember her strength of character, resilience, sense of humor and unwavering love for her family. She touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity and zest for living life to its fullest. She will surely be missed by many. May the memory of Dawn Marie Bunker bring comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing her. A funeral service will be held on August 1, 2026, 11 a.m., at Holy Family Church, 30 Lincoln St., Essex Junction, VT. The post Obituary: Dawn Marie (Kolodziej) Bunker, 1939-2026 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less