GLENMONT – With calm grace Marian Luella “Mary Lou” Chamberlain Bulnes entered into eternal life confident in her Heavenly destination on Monday, October 23, 2017. Born In Albany New York to Mary Hotaling Mead Chamberlain and John Ostrander Chamberlain, Mary Lou was a lifelong Glenmont resident active in many community and volunteer activities.
As a farm child during the Great Depression, Mary Lou developed frugality coupled with great generosity, a dry sense of humour and a love for cats. She would occassionaly ski on local hills or travel to nearby lakes for swimming. She had access to horses and sometimes rode with her much admired sister Elizabeth who was a skilled equestrian
After graduating from Bethehem Central High School, Mary Lou worked at Montgomery Ward and a bank before finding her calling and entering Albany Memorial Nursing school. Friendships with her classmates sustained her social life as she attended almost every one of her alumni functions and stayed in touch with her classmates. At the wedding of friends Ginny and the late Bud Scheibly, Mary Lou met William Faunce Bulnes and they were married on May 7, 1955.
Wit
h her loving husband, she raised three children until William’s untimely death when Mary Lou became a single working mother. She transitioned from hospital work as a registered nurse to assisting instructors at the Albany School for Practical Nursing. She enjoyed the final decades of her nursing career meeting a variety of capital district residents recording medical history and vital signs for insurance physicals. Mary Lou instilled her scientific curiosity and appreciation for the arts in her children. She volunteered with and enrolled her kids in the Helderberg Workshop. Her volunteering spirit was also evident through her efforts assisting the Red Cross, Capital City Rescue Mission, and the Town of Bethlehem Historical Association. An avid gardener, Mary Lou spent much time tending to her yard & plants and also volunteered at Good Samaritan nursing home planting ornamentals.
During the 1970s, her life of service to people transformed to one of service to God when she accepted Jesus Christ into her heart as Lord and Savior. Her faith was strengthened through fellowship at the Bethlehem Reformed Church and other local church services and meals.
Mary Lou is predeceased by her parents, husband, her son Christian William Bulnes, and her sister Elizabeth Chamberlain (Merton) Phillips. She is survived by her daughter Mary Beth (Richard) Fischer, and her son David John (Dorothea Osborn) Bulnes; her grandchildren Rachael Elizabeth (Daniel) Foley, Elise Catherine Fischer, Hezekiah William Shubael Bulnes, and Isabella Grace Bulnes; and her great-grandchildren Lucas, Hanna, and Silas Foley.
Most recently, her inherently pleasant nature was bouyed by new friends at Rosewood Rehabilitation and the tender care of staff at Rosewood is greatly appreciated by the family.
Memorial service arrangements to be determined. Any gifts in Mary Lou’s memory may be made to any of the above named charitable organizations. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Chris Raffo
October 26, 2017 at 1:24 pmWhat a lovely obituary to commemorate a life well led. May the family always remember her best days Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow
Paul Gordon
October 26, 2017 at 1:45 pmDave,
Chris and I have you and your family in our thoughts and hearts over the loss of your Mom. We did not know her – but she sounds like a woman of great strength, kindness and good character. I am sure you are all extremely proud of her. Keep her qualities close to you and she will always remain there with you.
With deep sorrow,
Chris Moran and Paul Gordon
Dan Hogan
October 26, 2017 at 1:52 pmDear Dave & Family,
Our family is deeply saddened about the loss of your Mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
With sincere condolences, the Hogan family
Dennis catricala
October 26, 2017 at 3:43 pmMy condolence to you and your family may God grant you peace and confert during your loss God bless you your coworker dennis
Jill Stewart
October 26, 2017 at 4:26 pmI am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a precious lady.
Harold Bryant
October 26, 2017 at 6:41 pmDave,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Truly sorry for your loss.
Harold & family
Mark Romani
October 27, 2017 at 2:50 amDear David, Isabella & Family –
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom! As much as I was inspired by these heartfelt words and loving description of faith underlying a life well lived; I (and my fellow Rosewood staff) were so inspired by your devotion to your beautiful mother. I very much enjoyed visiting with her when she came by the desk and am happy I was there to assist her when she had questions or wanted to call you. I was always warmed by her presence and her obvious love for you. I will miss seeing her and you. God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mark Romani
Denise Mallery
October 27, 2017 at 6:49 amI was very sad to hear the news of my co-worker, David Bulnes’ Mom. David, Mike and I send our most heartfelt condolences to you and to your family. Mom is in a better place….in the arms of the Lord. Stay strong….we are here for you.
Denise and Mike Mallery
John and Maribeth Malenkiewicz
October 27, 2017 at 7:33 amDave, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful example of a life well lived and we’re sure she’ll be remembered fondly by all the people whose lives she touched.
Doug and Carrie VanApeldoorn
October 27, 2017 at 7:35 amDave and Family.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. She was such a lady. Thoughts and Prayers to you all.
Doug and Carrie VanApeldoorn
Carrie West
October 27, 2017 at 7:03 pmMary Beth –
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
What a beautiful obituary. She was quite a lady.
May she rest in peace.
Love,
Carrie West
Jeff Carlson Sr.
November 1, 2017 at 3:20 pmSo sad to hear of Mrs. Bulnes’ passing. My brother & I have many cherished memories of growing up in Glenmont & spending countless hours (mischievously or not !!! ) growing up with Chris, David, & Mary Beth. Please pass on my condolences to the family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Jeff Carlson Sr. & family
Nance (Carlson) Yonkers
November 1, 2017 at 3:57 pmMy deepest condolences David and Mary Beth and your families. My brother Jeff just alerted my brother Rob and I of your mothers passing. While you may not remember me, both David and Chris were their best friends in their youth – and Chris was my mother’s “son #3”. I remember Mary Beth and all the ponies! I remember the childhood home fondly as we both lived nearby. Your mom’s obituary is a beautiful tribute, and I wish you peace and prayers.
John DeMis
November 1, 2017 at 5:28 pmMary Beth, David & Families,
I was saddened to see your mother’s passing. My condolences to you all. May she rest in peace.