Mabel O Brunner

Mabel O. Brunner, 91, of Sun City, AZ, passed away November 30, 2013 with her family by her side. She was born on a farm in South Dakota, the second child of ten where her parents taught their children life’s most valuable lessons, honesty, integrity, fairness, kindness, generosity and love. Mabel always said they were poor but never knew it because they had simple fun.

In 1942, Mabel moved to Washington D.C. She worked for the Army Air Corps at the Pentagon as a secretary. Mabel married her husband, Lawrence Brunner in March of 1949.

After retiring in 1971, Mabel and her husband became very involved in Sun City. She was active in the Boswell Hospital Foundation. Her love of animals drove her to the Arizona Humane Society. There Mabel was a past treasurer and President of the Auxiliary for several years. To help raise money, she would often pet sit and managed a thrift shop.

Pet sitting for people came with its own responsibilities. Often, when people could no longer manage their pets, Mabel would take them in. Mabel had 22 little dogs at one time.

Mabel also donated countless items to homeless and migrant farm workers working with Interfaith Services.

She was also very active with her church, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church. Mabel held all offices of the Lutheran Church Women – Christian Action, including VP and President.

Mabel is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Brunner and is survived by her siblings, Vern Omdahl, Helen Franks, Florence Dean and Grace O’Dea and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, 11025 N. 111th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351.