Patricia L. Bunce

October 17, 1939 - September 9, 2017

PATRICIA BUNCE Patricia “Patti” Bunce unexpectedly passed away in the morning of September 9, 2017. Way too soon, she left us at the age of 77 As the oldest child of Edward and Dolly Michael, Patti began her voyage in Topeka Kansas on October 17, 1939. Accompanied by her younger brother Eddie, she spent her early years traveling to Oakland, California where her father worked in the Navy shipyards supporting the war effort. It was at this time that Patti would say “my boat is so small and the ocean is so big” After the war Patti returned to Topeka and was later joined by a new sister Jeanene. Patti attended the local schools graduating from Highland Park in 1957. It was during these years the she would make many friends who have remained close to this day. It was also when she formulated her life values that made her “the salt of the earth” and bring peace and happiness to all she should meet. It was also here that Patti would have her two children: Wendy in 1960 and Mike in 1962. Married with two children, Patti left for California arriving in Santa Barbara in 1965. While raising Mike and Wendy in the Goleta area school system, Patti worked in the Santa Barbara area. Starting with Phone Company (after transferring from Topeka) working the switchboard. Later in the Murroughs optometry office and then with Jordanos. Once again spreading joy to all she would meet. It was then that Patti sharpened her skills as a homemaker and her love for cooking, gardening, piano, and decorating. Patti even helped friends with lodging and care. After seeing her daughter Wendy off in marriage in 1978 and son Mike to the Navy in 1981 her voyage and destination took a turn south. During the 1984 Olympics Patti met Barrett Bunce then living in Los Angeles while working as a structural engineer. Taking Barrett on her voyage, Patti married Barrett and settled in Topanga, CA. in 1988. Continuing to greet the day with a song and finding the ocean much calmer, Patti worked in retail establishments in Woodland Hills while Barrett commuted to engineering projects in Los Angeles. All the while, Patti continued her interest in decorating her tri-level home. While there Patti also enjoyed the love and affection of her ever increasing family, spending many visits to hold and love the children and later grandchildren. It was also there that Patti developed what affectingly became known as “Patti-isms”. For example, one of her favorite sayings was “I have so many things to forget”, as well “bunglesome” in lieu of clumsy. And of course, “card-board lips” for chatting females. Patti also honed her cooking skills; developing her famous potato salad (how she won over her husband), bread pudding and chicken pot pie. The scenery changed, but the loving continued when Barrett and Patti moved back to Santa Barbara in 2004 and relocated to Mission Canyon. Patti was able to continue her interest in decorating (especially with wallpaper) and enhance her gardening skills. During the next 13 years as part of the now retired team, Patti was able to meet many new friends, travel, and visit her ever increasing family. It was amazing how all her new acquaintances loved Patti. Patti was so appreciated of those who lent a helping hand whenever needed. In September of this year, happy to the end, Patti’s boat was now full and her trip concluded much too soon. With her passing she will be missed by all. Patti is survived by her loving husband of 29 years Barrett, daughter Wendy Gipson and husband John (Bakersfield), son Mike Gates and wife Cynthy (Waconia, MN). 5 grandsons, 9 great grandchildren. Also Barrett’s 3 sons, Charlie Bunce (Lake Balboa), Brandon Bunce (Ventura), and Andy Bunce (Ventura), as well as Barrett’s 3 grandchildren. Also survived by 3 nieces, 2 nephews and brother Eddie Michael (Topeka, KS) and sister Jeanene Michael (Hudson, FLA). A memorial Service will be held at the Welch-Ryce-Haider Chapel at 450 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, CA on Friday September 15 at 1 pm.