Mrs. Victoria Marjorie Keen

      To Mrs. Victoria Marjorie Keen, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Bunto, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Bunto really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      Bunto was born on March 6, 1934 at home in Franz, Ontario. Her parents were Christopher and Eva Black. Bunto was raised in Franz, Ontario. Even as a child, Bunto had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn't help but capture everyone's attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Bunto was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, she managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Bunto was raised with six siblings. She had older brothers William, Robert, Ronald and a younger brother Howie and two younger sisters Georgina and Alice.

      All of Bunto's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, she experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She took part in broom ball. Bunto's memorable achievements included helping to raise her younger sisters.

      Bunto never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed her to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Bunto delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them all as potential spectators for her performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around she was always right at home putting on a show among her friends. Bunto utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, one of her best friends was Edith Tangie. Later in life, she became friends with Alice Mann. Bunto loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Bunto very easy to approach. On January 6, 2008 Bunto exchanged wedding vows with Alick Keen at Franz Church of Franz, Ontario. She tried hard not to impose on her spouse. She was always sensitive to other people's feelings, and that was especially true in her marriage.

      Perhaps the reason Bunto related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own children. Bunto was blessed with three children, two sons Christopher and David and one daughter Gina-May. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Caroline, Brad, Chad, Tyler, Amanda and the late Alick Jr. She had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that's where all of her attention was directed. Bunto's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Bunto had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Bunto was a real “people person. ” she had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. She liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Bunto was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Bunto's talent for being a down to earth thinker allowed many around her to see Bunto as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was in the hospitality field. She was employed for 20 years by Esanagi, Wawa Motors and the Big Bird Hotel.

      Bunto enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, she liked creating and making things. Her favorite pursuits were darts, bingo and knitting. Bunto was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Bunto was excited and challenged by sports. Even if she wasn't the best, she loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Bunto relished the opportunities where she could make an impact, and would often push herself to play above her abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Bunto never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Recreational sports included darts and broom ball. Bunto was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey, curling, swimming and Figure Skating.

      Bunto had an endless appetite for new and different activities. She was always ready to join in the fun and add her flair and energy to an organization. Because of her personality, her humor, and her ability to get along with everyone, Bunto's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged. Throughout her later years, Bunto was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion.

      Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, she recognized that her faith was important to her throughout her life. She was a member of the St. Matthews Anglican Church for three years.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Bunto just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included going home to Franz, Ontario.

      Bunto was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around people. One of Bunto's favorites was Gashig, a white, part Siamese cat. They were best friends for one year.

      Bunto believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 1985, Bunto took it in stride as one more way to have fun. Her new life involved relocating to the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, she remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing bingo and walking in the evening. Even in retirement, Bunto continued to stay in touch with her old friends and, since she'd never met a stranger, she made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

      Bunto passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at the Sault Area Hospital (Plummer Site) after a courageous battle with cancer. Loving wife of Ambrose (Andre) and the late Alick. She is survived by her children Christopher, Gina-May, David; her grandchildren Caroline, Brad, Chad, Tyler, Amanda and the late Alick Jr. Services were held at St. Matthew's Anglican Church on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 11 am. Interment in New Greenwood Cemetery, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      Bunto brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Mrs. Victoria Marjorie Keen lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.