Bernice Monies Burmaster

Bernice Lucille Monies Burmaster, also known as "Bunny", "Mama Bunny", and to her Great Grandchildren "Funny Bunny", was one of a kind with a personality to match. She was sassy, outgoing, energetic and vivacious! Bernice knew what made her happy and she would unapologetically go for it! She was passionate and bold! And we loved that about her! She left this world much like she lived her life, on her own terms, with stubbornness and strength. Even at "90-damn-7" she was a force to be reckoned with.

Bernice was the 4th of 7 children, born to John and Beatrice Monies in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Wilson Burmaster (and favorite dog, Chica), her step daughter Gretchen Burmaster Williamson, and four siblings: Gwen "Booba" Akers, Sydney Monies, Billy Monies, and Jack "Bubba" Monies.

She is survived by her son: Frank Wilson Burmaster Jr. (Zana) and daughter, Betsi Burmaster Esposito (Ken) and dear sister Gloria Monies Reiley. Also, three beautiful grandchildren, Jessica, Cab and Coal, and four great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

Bunny met the man of her dreams, Frank Burmaster, in Jacksonville, Florida. They married and quickly made a beautiful life together in Atlanta, Georgia, where they purchased their one and only home in the most incredible neighborhood! It was everything Bernice wanted: good friends, dinner parties, bridge games, food and the social life she always dreamed of.

Bernice loved to wait on others and you could always find her in the kitchen, cooking up something delicious to share with friends and family. She loved everything about food; cook books, ingredients, cooking, baking, eating and especially critiquing the food afterwards. Much to the chagrin of those who tried cooking for her!

Bernice and Frank not only loved their life in Atlanta, but in 1972 built their get-a-way house in the woods at Lake Hartwell and created more incredible memories there! They spent countless weekends and summers boating, swimming, watching sunsets and relaxing on the dock. Ever the hostess, Bunny fixed drinks, appetizers, dinner and dessert every night for everyone there! She never met a stranger.

Bernice and Frank left Atlanta in 2009 and moved to Fort Collins when it became clear that they needed more help with life. It was a wonderful move and the last 13 years have been filled with, not only all the challenges of growing old, but also new ways to enjoy life! Bunny kept up her bridge games, but also learned to love Blackjack, having drinks and social hour on the back patio and more! Bunny's most memorable activity, which she told everyone about was "Indoor Skydiving" where she got her nickname, "Mama Bee" because she was dressed in Yellow and black and looked just like a bumblebee flying in the air! It was the 'talk' of Mackenzie Place!

Bunny never liked to be rushed, which was evident in life and in death, and her favorite saying became, "Wait a minute!" She considered "on-time" whenever she got there!

She was only ready to leave this world after her long-time wish had come true, she finally had Betsi's undivided attention. Bernice spent her last 9 months taking wheelchair adventures to get her nails done, buy more cookies and to the Saturday Blackjack game! She spent her last 9 days with Betsi by her side. Now it's Frank's turn to adventure with her again.

Okay Dad, I took care of her as best I could, now it's up to you again – good luck!!

Celebration of Life, 2 pm, Sunday, November 6, 2022 in the ballroom at MacKenzie Place, 4750 Pleasant Oak Dr.