Bunny Edelson is makes each day count By Allison Mintz
Zanly and Bunny
B
arbara “Bunny” Edelson, has lived nearly 94 years, and is a force to be reckoned with. Bunny is spunky, feisty, and one of the most active individuals you will ever meet. Born in 1928, Bunny will be turning 94 years young in July. Bunny said that her secret to having such an active life is to “get up and get going.” She also said that she likes to swim everyday, she has an appetite like a horse, and she tries to stay out of mischief. Bunny was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and lived there until she completed college. Bunny’s parents divorced when she was little. Her big brother, had a major hand in raising Bunny and giving her the confidence she has today. Bunny looked up to her older brother and loved him dearly. As Bunny said, “my brother was wonderful. He was like my father, my brother, my everything.” Bunny’s brother died at 46 years old. This was a difficult moment for Bunny, as he was the world to her. Bunny had an exciting life and had the opportunity to live in Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. She worked with an interior design magazine in New York. She loved working, as she felt it was stimulating and gave her a chance to meet interesting people. As an Associate Editor, she was given the opportunity to interview some of the architectural greats, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Bunny met her late husband Zanly on a trip to Hawaii. “I went down to the beach and I saw a man staring at 28
MAY/JUNE 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE
Allison with her mother, Bunny
Dear mom, you would fade away after I was so worriedple of how to move forward a you set the exam s been on the go and a socia You have alway anyone I know. more friends than been full of kindneth s ay w al s ha t ar reak Your he have a stubborn st the flip side, you le edged sword. It has k age. It is a doublive in your own home. A are still able to out in a mischevious way sometimes comes ly went behind our backs when you recent h your grandson with yo thought that wit uble", but that stubborn get into any "tro goal. you achieved your ow old gracefully. H You are growingatching you grow old graceful about w ad. You are not doi I usually get m is that you are slip through my headthat. How much lon anything about back on this time don’t want to look u. I just can't be impatient with yom I have a lifeti person with who With All My Andrea
Love,
me. He was a bit creepy, so I decided I wouldn’t go out again after lunch. When I went back to pick up my stuff he had moved his bag next to mine. We started talking, and he was actually very nice.” Bunny and Zanly went out for dinner and married just a few weeks later. Zanly was a successful Surgeon in Oregon. He even had one of his friends call Bunny to give her a reference and let her know that he was a great guy. Bunny and Zanly went on to have three children together. Zanly had two children from a previous marriage, who Bunny loved and cared for as her own. Bunny said that she is fortunate to have 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren. Bunny’s universe centers around her family and making sure she is there to support them in any way possible. When her children were young, Bunny was always active in their school as PTA President, Boy Scout Den Mother, and Girl Scout Leader. She supported her
