Carmen R. Bunch

Carmen R. Bunch, 94, of Isle of Palms, SC died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. Carmen was born August 13, 1920 in New York City, NY to the late Hermacelia Ramirez and the late Raphael Ramirez. Carmen joined the United States Navy at the beginning of World War II and served as a WAVE until the end of the war. She met her husband, Jack Bunch, a sailor from the Isle of Palms, while they were both on active duty. They were married in Norfolk, VA and moved to the Isle of Palms in 1945. Carmen worked 22 years for the 6th Naval District in Charleston and retired as a recreation specialist for the District. Carmen was an active member of Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church for the past 69 years. In addition to her family, which she loved dearly, she was passionate about serving her community and was Mayor of the Isle of Palms for sixteen years, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Carmen was once asked how her epitaph should read and she replied “I did it my way”! Her family remembers her as a loving mother, grandmother, friend and community leader. Carmen is survived by her daughter; Carol Ann (Sidney) Allison, of Isle of Palms, SC, one son; John G Bunch III, of St. James City, FL, four grandchildren; Caroline Bunch ,Carmen Renee (Eddie) Allison Riley, Griffin (Lee) Allison, Mary Elizabeth (Brad) Allison Walker, six great grandchildren; Lawson Clark, Sidney Clare Riley, Jack Riley, Braxton Allison, Curren Allison, and Porter Allison, one brother; Joseph G. (Rose) Hanley, of Hollywood, SC. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 35 years, Jack Bunch, one grandchild; William “Scooter” Griffin Bunch, one sister; Wilhemnia DeSantis and two brothers; Charles Ramirez and Manny Ramirez. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 8, 2014 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. The Rosary will be recited at 5:00 pm. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, 1204 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Msgr. Lawrence B. McInerny, J.C.L. officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Outreach, 1684 State Road S-10-1442, Johns Island, SC 29455 or Hospice of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1520 RIFLE RANGE ROAD, MT PLEASANT, SC (843) 884-3833.