Janet Louise Bunger

Janet Louise Hauber Bunger, a passionate advocate for women's advancement and equality, peacefully passed away on Aug 18, 2023 at the age of 78. Born on June 9, 1945, in Spearfish, SD, she left an indelible mark on the lives she touched and the causes she championed.

Janet graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. In 1979, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Utah, a milestone that coincided with her success in passing the CPA exam. She remained in Utah embarking on a career as an accountant and then certified financial planner. In addition to her numerous achievements, Janet was a remarkable mother who raised two successful daughters. Her resilience and love shaped the paths of her daughters, who now carry on her legacy with pride and gratitude.

Janet directed much of her energy volunteering for organizations promoting women's value and equity in society. A long time member of the Girl Scouts, she served as a troop leader throughout the 1970s and 1980s and later took on many leadership roles within the Utah Girl Scout Council including leading the Cornelia Benton Scholarship Fund. Janet's commitment extended to her involvement with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), where she spent 29 years as a member and in various leadership capacities. She was President of the Wasatch Chapter of the AAUW in Utah from 2006-2008 and served on the National AAUW organization's Board of Directors from 2015 to 2020. Even after relocating to North Carolina in 2018, Janet remained dedicated to the AAUW, taking on the role of branch advocate for the North Carolina Chapter in 2020 and then stepped in as Treasurer, a role she was still serving at the time of her death.

Janet also contributed her time and leadership to a variety of other non-profit organizations, including Real Women Run, a collective of groups that encourage women to run for political office, Utah Women's Artist Exhibition, and the Utah Symphony Guild. Her belief in the power of education and unity inspired her to work towards creating a more equitable world for all.

Throughout her life, she embraced personal interests that enriched her life. An accomplished Bridge player, she found joy in the friendly competition, social engagement, and intellectual challenge. Janet was also an avid reader joining and leading book clubs, embracing the opportunity to share her love for literature with others. She also enjoyed quilting and crochet.

Janet's legacy lives on through her family. She is survived by her daughters, Janell Bunger-Spiecha (married to Mark Bunger-Spiecha) and Maureen Bunger (married to Benjamin Cargile), along with her five cherished grandchildren: Lucas, Noah, and Adam Bunger Spiecha, and Cole and Teagan Cargile. She was preceded in death by her sisters Mary Krenz and Teresa Hauber.

In honoring Janet's wishes, her life will be celebrated at a future date to be determined, reflecting her preference for celebration over sorrow. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to the AAUW Greatest Needs Fund. Contributions can be made at the following link: Donation Link. Janet's impact will continue to inspire and empower women for generations to come.

Though her life was unexpectedly cut short, mom preferred celebration to sorrow. We hope you will join us to celebrate the life she lived and share in the activities she cared about. We would love to see guests wear some blue, her favorite color, or bring a book to share/exchange with others to celebrate her love of reading. The celebration will take place at Lugano Ristorante, in Cary, NC at 12PM on the 14th of October. More details and RSVP can be found here: https://pp.events/janetbungerlife

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