Messages for Franceane BunnerI remember Mrs. Bunner as a very easygoing teacher, which was quite refreshing. She was able to make class interesting without ignoring our lives outside of class. She was very welcoming, understanding, and fun. Suzy Sacher, class of '99 [Providence, RI] ♥ Dec. 15, 2003
I used to tease her so much about her coffee addiction, but now I wish I could sit down with her at a starbucks and joke around about TOK, IB english, and Rice. She is sorely missed. Yang Su [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 14, 2003
I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from so many of my mother's former students. You are correct. She was a remarkable lady. My mother had a dedication and loyalty to her family, her friends, her profession, and her students like no other person I have ever known. She strived to be the best she could be and expected that others do the same. She was a very insightful person and she was always the one upon whom I relied for direction and an objective interpretation of the circumstances with which I was faced. Lisa Bunner [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 13, 2003
Where do I begin to tell of all the wonderful thoughts I have of Mrs. Bunner? I've been thinking all week about what I should say here, and I realized that I could never do justice to her memory. I do, however, know what she taught me my senior year of high school, when nothing else seemed to matter due to a bad case of senioritis. She taught me that reading was not merely an assignment, it was an adventure to uncover the hidden treasures of great literary works. Literature always seemed to come to life in her presence, and I admired her infinitely for that. She taught me to be cautious of those whom I keep company with by using a "Do Not Date List." She proved to us that, try as we might, we would never be able to complete a crossword puzzle as fast as she could. She told us what we all needed to hear, that we would all soon be entering the real world, where GPAs and test scores don't matter. She told us the truth, that life would be hard, but every minute would be worth living. Mrs. Bunner will definitely be missed by anyone who knew her, but at least we all had the chance to learn those invaluable lessons from her. Kelli Stephenson [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 12, 2003
words fail me at this moment. mrs. bunner was probably one of the best teachers i've ever had...she was the kind of teacher whose guidance you wish you could be under forever. her class was undoubtedly the most memorable english class i've ever had in my life, and her impact on me extends beyond the classroom. i thank her for every remarkable moment in her class, for encouraging me as a writer, for everything she's done for me, and just a little more. she will be most terribly missed. tim li [austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 11, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was talented, witty, and bright enough to have been extremely successful in any path of life she may have chosen. However, she chose to be a teacher because she loved teaching, she loved English, and most of all, she loved her students. Her dedication to teaching was most apparent during second semester when she continued to come to school even on days we knew she was not feeling her best. You could feel the excitement rampant in the senior hallway on the days our beloved Mrs. Bunner would be in class. Her impact on everyone she touched is obvious by the outpour of love from those who were lucky enough to have known her. Aside from being one of the best teachers many of us will ever have, Mrs. Bunner was just a wonderful lady. Everyone who knew her loved her. Her legacy will live on forever in all of our hearts. Michelle Jacobson [Philadelphia, PA] ♥ Dec. 11, 2003
I know this has been said over and over but Mrs. Bunner was one of those teachers who had a huge impact on my life, and I will be forever grateful that I was lucky enough to have her. I will always remember TOK and English, doing crossword puzzles at the end of class, and countless others...Thanks you so much for always being there for us, and being such an influence. Veronica Lew [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
Ms. Bunner had an enormous influence on my daughter Mara who was her student. She will be missed by the generations who will not have the opportunity to experience her skill and dedication. Clifford Dasco [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was truly one of the reasons that high school was enjoyable. She loved what she taught and was able to infect us with the same. She will be greatly missed, but she will live on in the memory of all who knew her. Jill Sung [New York, NY] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
Many of the memories from classes in high school have faded, but senior english was not one of them. The inspiration you instilled in us impacts all of your students/friends lives in every way. We miss your funny quips, interesting comments, and the occasional bad joke. We miss you, and we will remember you. Jonathan Tzu [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
She was a good woman, always very tranquil but funny, and had this attitude about her teaching like she had done it a million times yet still wanted us to enjoy it for our first. I wish I had not taken those moments in her class for granted on certain days, but I'll always remember Dante's Inferno because of that class. I wish her family and friends well. Rest in peace, Ms. Bunner. Tu Giang [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
i am speechless.... jason tung [houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
I've been trying to think of something to say for 30 minutes now but then I realized that words don't do justice when describing the kind of teacher Mrs. Bunner was. Her class was my motivation to attend school senior year. I truly loved her and am infinitely grateful to everything she gave me. Priya Kumar [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
I cannot think of anything bright or witty to say--words desert us when we need them most. What I'll remember most, more than the infamous hell papers, more than filling in for us those parts of the Iliad which she did not make us read, and more than her love for her students and literature, is her smile. I leave her with a selection from Robert Frost's "Birches"; a poem I fell in love with reading it in her class, and a poem I fall in love with everytime I read it now: Joshua Penzell [Evanston, IL] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Mrs. Bunner is the greatest English teacher I've had in my life (and that includes what I've taken in college so far). Hers was the kind of creativity that pulled out all the creativity in us... one of those few people who are mentors without any awkward separation of age or disposition getting in the way. She had our sense of humor, but she was always a step ahead of us. This online guest book seems like a pathetic way to express what I should have (I always meant to go back and see her!) but I suppose it will have to do. Thank you for everything, Mrs. Bunner. I will never forget you. Michael McCarty [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was an inspiration to everyone she taught. She will live on in the memories of her loved ones and the countless students she touched in the classroom. Mrs. Bunner will be sorely missed. Gavin Wagenheim [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
What can I say, she was an amazing teacher that left a lasting impression. She cared for us all and was always interested in each student. She loved what she did, and students loved her for that. I feel so blessed that I was able to have her for a teacher. She will be greatly missed. erica evensen [austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was an amazing teacher; she made reading even the most drawn out pieces of literature seem interesting and meaningful. I learned so much in my IB English class and I will always remember the lessons I learned from Mrs. Bunner and the fun I had in her class. I offer my condolances to her family and friends; she will be greatly missed. Masha Belyi [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was my favorite and most memorable teacher at Bellaire. She was always understanding and helpful. I know she impacted my life, causing me to take a second look at so much classic literature, while encouraging me to be creative in my interpretations. I always remember Mrs. Bunner as both a friend and a teacher, which is not something I can say about all of my teachers. I wish I had more time to know her, but I know I will see her again one day. Thanks Mrs. Bunner Kevin Baker [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
I think it's wonderful that so many of her past students have gathered their thoughts in rememberence here. I am sure this is what she would have wanted. Justin Yang [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 10, 2003
I remember how she would push kids with potential to really work on ourselves, encouraging us to go deeper in our writings, or submit work to MSJ. I've not forgotten that silent nod of agreement when I wrote out against the cancellation of the Creative Writing program at HSPVA. Ms. Bunner was a jovial, sly character (a brilliant liar, I say with admiration) who, as far as I could see, loved teaching more than anything else. Who else would ask us to write out our own versions of hell? I give her a great deal of credit for my acceptance to and continued success at Columbia. I don't think I'd be an English major if it hadn't been for her. Matthew Daniel [New York, NY] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was one of the reasons my senior year at Bellaire was so enjoyable. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to all of her family and friends. Moneeza Rahman [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
The comments from Franceane's former students and friends tell the whole story. It is rare to have known a person of her ability and caring nature. Charles Wells [North Zulch, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
This is just something I found that I had written last year about Mrs. Bunner. It made me realize how much I will all miss her... Tingting Turski [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Franceane was one of my favorite teachers at Bellaire HS. She did not bind her students to rigid and uncreative assignments, but rather supported and celebrated different approaches. She not only cared about students' work, but also about us. I remember she put up pictures of her sutdents and always talked to us outside of class. She will definitely be remembered as a wonderful teacher, one who truly cared about her students. Andrea G [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
I had Mrs. Bunner as an IB English and for Theory of Knowledge. She was certainly tough but fair. Her Hell papers were legendary. The materials that we covered were excellent works that one could get into and find fascinating. She also had the amazing ability to tell you anything with a straight face. I knew that she had left th school but I thought she was doing better.... it really hurts to know she's gone. I wish that I had stopped by more often, let her know that I was accepted into college, update her on my life, etc. She was an excellent teacher who shall be very sorely missed. Summer Eiman [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was a very special person and I was fortunate to be able to learn from her. Her knowledge encompassed more than just English. She taught all who would listen valuable lessons which she had learned during her lifetime. Her memory lives on in everyone that was touched by her. Joshua Grimm [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was, without a doubt, the most amazing teacher. Every class was filled with laughs as well as lessons, and I will always remember those days. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. Ashley Chan [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 09, 2003
It is evident that Mrs. Bunner touched each and every one of our lives at some point during our senior year- how and in what way differs for all of us, but one thing is common: she was an inspiration, and most of all, a friend. Elizabeth Melamed [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Ms. Bunner was a very sweet lady who barely raised her voice to anyone. And to hear the sad news that she has passed away does grief to her former students. But I send her family my regards who desperately miss one of their loved ones. She may have been a teacher at Bellaire, but also a mentor, friend, mother to all of us, and a supporter. I miss her from the bottom of my heart. It's never just a simple goodbye from teacher to student because her legacy lives on in our memories. Becky Wong [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
I think what says the most about Mrs. Bunner and what type of person she was is this guest book itself. The outpour of sympathy from her students is overwhelming. She dedicated her life to teaching us English, but she taught us much more. I feel privaledged to have known her. She touched the life of everyone that met her and we are all better off because of her. One day I hope we meet again Mrs. Bunner . . . so that I may thank you in person. Scott Rubinsky [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
I remember Mrs. Bunner saying that whenever people thought that a person wasn't quite the brightest (but were still trying to be nice when talking about them), they tended to add a "God Bless their soul" to the beginning of whatever they were saying. After almost two years since I was in her class, I still think of her everytime I hear this phrase. In Mrs. Bunner's case, however, I really do believe that God has blessed her soul. She was one of the best teachers I had at Bellaire. And while many just teach the material, Mrs. Bunner also taught us a lot about life. She cared about the students behind the test scores. Her witty & sarcastic, sometimes unexpected, comments made each class very different from the rest. By the end of the spring semester with "senioritis" in full bloom, I'm not going to say that we all LOVED going to class to learn (because what senior likes going to class spring semester anyways?), but we definitely DID like to go to hear what she was going to say next. She definitely had a method of teaching that got the point across, while being entertaining as well. I will remember her for her care (because she truly did care for us) and for her passion for literature, which she tried to instill in each and every one of her students. This passion (and hopefully also a bit of her wonderful sarcasm) will live on as her legacy in the hearts of the students she taught. I know that it will in mine. Merideth Sharp [Chapel Hill, NC] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Our Ms. Bunner... forever and for always. You will remain eternally in our hearts and minds. We love you and we miss you. Anuja Bedi [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Ms. Bunner was one of the best teachers I've ever had. She was so passionate about what she taught, and so dedicated. The thing I remember is that she could make boring ancient Greek stuff interesting because she was such a funny person. She was always cracking jokes, and she could just connect with the students and relate to them. She said the thing that she most enjoys from teaching is all the letters and cards she gets from former students. She has inspired and impacted so many students, and I know she will be sorely missed. I send my condolences to her family, her friends, and all who knew her. Thanh Dao [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
It's ironic that it takes the death of a great teacher, for me to truly appreciate what she was. I wouldn't say, I was necessarily her favorite student, but she did enjoy to tease me for sleeping. Despite the fact that I did not take full advantage of what I had, I can honestly say that when I was awake she made a tremendous impact on my life. She was my best English teacher and favorite teacher period. I hope that her family finds comfort in knowing that shes with the Lord now. Joel Garcia [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
I would just like to thank Mrs. Bunner for making my senior year a very enjoyable experience. She was the most caring teacher I ever had and it was a privilege to be in her class. Joey Spinner [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
I am extremely grateful for the having the privilege of knowing you. You will live on forever in my thoughts Mrs. Bunner. David Roife [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Dear Ms. Bunner, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for the written word and for life with us. You must know your students will keep you alive in our memory and fulfill all the best wishes you have ever had for us, recognizing that it never would have been the same without you. Joy Lin [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Ms. Bunner was a wonderful English teacher when I took her class at Bellaire. She will surely be missed. Violeta [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was an amazing teacher and friend. I always looked forward to coming to class because I knew she'd make it fun. She was always very helpful and she truly made a difference in everyone's lives. Jennifer Magids [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Thank-you Franceane for being a huge part of my life. You were like a true aunt to me and were always so kind to me. You made me feel so welcome into your family and made me laugh so many times. I will always remember you and carry a part of you with me for the rest of my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you Cliff, Lisa, Joe, Missy, Madison, McKenzie, and to everyone else in the Houlihan family. I'll love you guys forever. Kimberly Petersen [SugarLand, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
I was so sad to read of the death of a good friend and former coworker who I respected and admired. I remember her love of learning and teaching at Long Middle School. My prayers and thoughts go out to Cliff, Lisa and Joe and their families at this sad time. All who knew Franceane and were touched by her will keep her memory alive. I will miss her. Tim Dupy [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Never will there be a teacher who loved their students as much as Mrs. Bunner. We all appreciated her dedication and will miss her forever. Brandee Holloway [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
I agree with Tingting in saying that Ms. Bunner, throughout the years, has made a huge impact on all her students' lives. Her care and dedication towards each and every one of her students and their progress accurately reflected her wonderful, devoted nature. Everyone I know has loved and cherished her; we all regarded her as one of the best English teachers. I will truly miss her as I'm sure many others will as well. A former student 4th Period English, Class of 2003 ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
...I have no suitable words left for an occasion that I hoped I'd never see happen. We should all have been so lucky to be one of her students and know this amazing woman so well. Timothy Marrero [Stanford, CA] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
As a student of Mrs. Bunner, I hope to God that she knows that we cared for her just as much as she cared for us. She certainly inspired me as a teacher; even more as a person. Laughter is the best medicine. :) Stephanie Nussbaum [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
I was a student of Mrs. Bunner's last year. She was not only an amazing teacher who managed to spark humor and even interest in a subject as dull as ancient literature, but was a wonderful person. She was the kind of person that bought cookie dough from me when I had to sell it for dance team -- and more than one box. When I found out that she was a grandmother, I thought to myself that it would be awesome to grow up with her as a grandmother. She was just that kind of person. She will be sorely missed. Jessica Lott [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 08, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was my English teacher last year at Bellaire, and she made each day wonderful. She was my favorite teacher last year, and she was the sweetest and most enjoyable person to be around. Mrs. Bunner truly impacted the life of each student that she taught, and she will be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Jessica Webster [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
I had Mrs. Bunner as an english teacher last year and always talked about how she was my favorite teacher in all of high school. She was incredibly sweet and caring towards everyone and I always looked forward to seeing her smiling face each morning. I send my condolences to the family. Amy Saikin [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Mrs Bunner was a teacher of mine and a valued soul. The world lost a lovely one when she passed on. karen baker [new york city, NY] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Words cant express the loss that we all feel due to the passing of a terrific and genuinely nice person. Mrs. Bunner taught us so much about life and literature. For most of us, she got us to read again and this was the greatest gift she gave us. Her encouragement and inspirational words will stay with me as well as all of us for years to come. Rest in peace Mrs. Bunner for you will surely be missed. Loraine Oracion [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was one of my favorite and best teachers in high school. She was always so friendly and enthusiastic when she was teaching us, whether it was making funny comments about the readings we were doing, teasing the more troublesome students in the class,or joking around with all of us. The list goes on and on. She made learning that much more interesting and fun. I always looked forward to going to english class because of her. I am so glad I had the chance to learn from her and get to know her. Thanks so much. Florence Lee [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Thank you for everything you did for us. You were the best english teacher I ever had; you treated us like the young adults we were. May your wisdom and humor endure. Paul Reverdy [Berkeley, CA] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Ms. Bunner will be missed immensely by all those who were fortunate enough to have met her. She was a dedicated and loving teacher and will always be remembered and thought of fondly by all her students, friends, and family. Javeria Kazi [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was a remarkable teacher. She made those dusty old books we had to read come alive. She even managed to make them understandable. She always encouraged us to share our thoughts and never passed any judgement on our many times off-the-wall attempts at interpretation. Hers was truly a memorable class. She was even nice enough to give her students a break during finals and around the time college apps were due b/c she understood us. I cant' believe she passed so quickly. Now i regret not ever getting around to visit her like i had intended so i could tell her how i felt. My condolences to all who were close to her. Melissa Nondorf [houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was the best english teacher I had at Bellaire. I would like to send my condolences to her family. She was a wonderful person who was always there for her students. She will be missed very much. Michael Johansen [College Station, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
I do not have anything profound to say about Ms. Bunner. To begin, she was "Ms. Bunner" to me. I did not really know anything about her personal life, and I doubt that she may have remembered me, since I was not one of her favorites. Ms. Bunner was still able to leave an impact on my life that will never be erased. She was one of the few teachers whose jokes I still remember, and one of the very few teachers I would have visited while going back to Bellaire High. The images I think of from all the books, novels, and plays we studied are all from her explanations and readings of them. I mostly remember her reenacting the battle scenes from the Iliad and remembering to emphasize the "violent and sex scenes" for us. I still remember her pretending to kill a few Trojans with an imaginary ax as Ajax. She was one of the only teachers that really could crack jokes with her students, relate to them, and keep their full respect. Even as not one of her "favorite" students, I can say that Ms. Bunner made an impact in my life (something I say for few teachers), and she will be forever remembered. Diane Wu [Bellaire, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Mrs. Bunner was an amazing teacher and friend. I always looked forward to coming to class because I knew she'd make it fun...whether we were reading Dante's Inferno or Antigone. In the end, she taught us a little about English and a lot about life. Diane Wu [Houston, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003 "I was within a hair's-breadth of the last opportunity for pronouncement, and I found with humiliation that probably I would have nothing to say. This is the reason why I affirm that Kurtz was a remarkable man. He had something to say. He said it…. He had summed up—he had judged. 'The horror!' He was a remarkable man." -Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness I know Mrs. Bunner would have had plenty to say about a quote like this, provoking her students to search within it, and find deeper meaning. However, in its' simplicity, it now relates to her personally. She was a remarkable woman, having made it through a long and difficult journey through this jungle that we call life. I only regret that I missed an opportunity to say something to a great woman when I had the chance. She was always there for me, even if I didn't belong in her class, she made sure I was still welcome. I express my deepest condolences to all friends and family of the late Mrs. Bunner. She was a wonderful woman, great friend and teacher. She will be missed greatly by all of her former Bellaire students. She will live on in our hearts and memories. shuhatov@ece.utexas.edu ~UT Austin~ mourns you. Lots of your students are here and you will be missed. Lev M. Shuhatovich [Austin, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Thankyou for inviting me into your home and family, You are all in my prayers. Maria. Maria McCrindle [Spring, TX] ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
Mrs. Bunner made a difference in so many of our loves. I know we will all miss her immensely. Tingting Turski ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
♥ Kristan L. Hoffman ♥ Dec. 07, 2003
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