Evelyn grew up in Dipolog City, Philippines. She began her working life as a teacher and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture. After settling in Houston, she built a long career with the Texas Department of Transportation, where she served for decades before retiring.
Evelyn remained deeply connected to her Filipino heritage and community. She was a member of the Bohol Association of Texas, Inc. and a charter member of the Sandugo Society of Texas. She also sang in the choirs of several Filipino organizations, performing at venues throughout the year.
Her home was the center of family life. Evelyn loved to cook, preparing Filipino dishes as well as a wide range of others, and her empanadas and fresh lumpia were her signature dishes. She enjoyed gardening and decorating, especially at Christmas, and she loved hosting gatherings of every size and for every occasion.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel C. Bunac, and her sister, Carmelita Faelnar Duat. She is survived by her daughter, Cristina Bunac-Cuevas and husband Allan Cuevas; son, Manuel J. Bunac and wife Jolyn Bunac; daughter, Melissa Gimenez and husband Jason T. Gimenez; grandchildren, Avery Cuevas, Joseph Bunac, Jason P. Gimenez, Joshua Gimenez, and Madelyn Gimenez; brothers, Luis Faelnar and Clemente B. Faelnar Jr.; and sister, Emilia LeRoy-Faelnar.
Evelyn will be dearly missed by her family and the many friends she welcomed to her table.
