In Memoriam: Margaret "Peg" Bunke

Margaret "Peg" Bunke (October 9, 1948 - March 23, 2025)
 

When we are baptized, we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ. This is not merely a promise between God and one individual — it is a promise held and nourished in community: the church, which is the body of Christ.

Margaret “Peg” Bunke became part of that body on May 22, 1949, when she was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Schenectady, New York. Born on October 9, 1948, to Edward and Marjorie Bunke, Peg was just over seven months old when the promise of life in Christian community was made hers. Importantly, this promise came entirely as a gift. She did nothing to earn it. Others professed the faith on her behalf, and she simply — and wondrously — received it. Her life, ever since, was shaped by that promise.

A graduate of Smith College (A.B. 1970), Peg also studied abroad at the University of Hamburg during the 1968–1969 academic year. Before retiring, she served as a Vice President and Actuary for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Though Peg was an only child, she was surrounded by a large extended family. She spoke often of joyful summers at Lake George, memories she cherished and loved to share. She is predeceased by her parents; her aunt Elsa; her uncle Herbert and his daughter, Herma Louise; and her aunt Norma. She is survived by several cousins: Nancy Alato, Roy Alato, and Alan Alato (Elsa’s children); Jacqueline Berg and Alison Matuzak (Herbert’s children); and John Hinsch, Lois Birner, Paul Hinsch, Peter Hinsch, and James Hinsch (Norma’s children).

In recent years — particularly during and after the pandemic — Peg became increasingly reclusive. While the community of faith remained deeply important to her, her contact with it became more distant. This past spring, she was found deceased in her apartment. I want to be clear: there were no suspicious circumstances; she died of causes that, while sad, were not alarming.

Following several months of coordination with city agencies and her family, we have been able to fulfill Peg’s wishes and have her body cremated.

From the baptismal font at Trinity Lutheran to the day of her death, Peg’s life was lived in community — even in moments of solitude. And now, having joined that great communion of saints before we even knew it, we do what communities of faith do: we accompany her to her final resting place.

We will commit Peg’s cremains to the Columbarium at Saint Peter’s on All Saints Sunday, November 2, during the 10:30 A.M. Mass. All are welcome to join as we remember, give thanks for, and commend Peg to the eternal embrace of God.

Grace and peace to you,

Jared R. Stahler
Senior Pastor