Judith Ann Brunkal

Judith Ann (Baker) Brunkal (84), died unexpectedly May 20, 2024, in Salem. She was born April 17, 1940 to Andrew and Wilhelmina (Minnie) Baker. Judy attended South Salem High School, graduating in 1958. She continued her education at Oregon State University and received a degree in elementary education. While at Oregon State she was a sister in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After graduating, she taught at the grade school level in Salem from 1962 to 1979. She then was a Librarian at the Woodburn Public Library from 1983 to 2002. Judy was a lifelong learner and always curious, she valued education and was passionate about promoting public schools, libraries, and educational events.

Judy married fellow Salem resident Richard Brunkal in 1961. Together, they lived their entire lives in Salem. She was a devoted wife, who supported her husband throughout their 62-year marriage. Judy and Richard raised 3 children, all of whom also graduated from South Salem High School, and all of whom continued their educations and earned advanced degrees. She was exceptionally proud of her children’s accomplishments. She also loved and supported her 7 grandchildren in all their endeavors. She spent many hours traveling to attend soccer games, music concerts, tennis matches, drama productions, choir performances, parachute jumps, graduations, and any other events that her grandchildren were involved in, family was of utmost importance to Judy, and she was the matriarch who kept the family connections strong.

Judy loved Oregon, and enjoyed camping, hiking, birdwatching, and beach trips. She loved the Oregon coast, the Cascade mountains, and the high desert. She engrained a love of nature in her family and friends.

Judy was involved in the Salem community, as board member of the Salem Audubon Society for many years. She loved birds, environmental education, and conservation. She was instrumental in helping to develop the Ankeny Hill Nature Center at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, supported “birders night” and bird-in-hand education programs.

She remained active in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority alumnae group for many years and served as an officer several times. She attended annual events with her sorority sisters over decades. She kept in touch with her high school friends and attended all their reunions. She also loved her book clubs, and exercise classes.

Judy also loved her dogs. She was very excited to compete with her Labrador retriever mix, Sophia, in dog sports and earned ribbons for their partnership in dog agility trials. She and Richard walked their dogs daily at Minto Brown Island Park and had many friends through their dog community.

In retirement, she and Richard purchased property in Alaska, near Homer. They worked for many years building a cabin there with their own sweat, with help from many friends and family. It is a place with an amazing view where they loved to spend summers.

She is survived in death by her husband, Richard, and three children: Erik Brunkal (Vacaville, CA), Heidi Newsome (West Richland, WA), and Holly Brunkal (Gunnison, CO). Also surviving are her siblings, brother Larry Baker (Bend, OR) and sister Andrea Traphagen (Longview, WA).

Grandchildren include Melissa and Haley Brunkal; Jackson and Jordyn Lisec; Colette Sachs, and Nolan and Lily Newsome.

Judy was beloved by many that knew her. She was noted as being feisty, energetic, interesting, and kind, she had a wonderful smile, and she will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life is planned in the summer. In lieu of flowers, Donations in Judy’s name may be made to the Salem Audubon Society.