In Loving Memory of Josefina Santiago Bunuan
Josefina Bunuan was born on September 11, 1928, in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, to Jose Villanueva and Ignacia (Santiago) Bunuan. From an early age, Josefina loved learning and was driven to better herself. She believed deeply in the power of education and wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
In 1963, Josefina migrated to the United States, beginning an extraordinary new chapter in her life. Although she was far from home, she never forgot the Philippines. She missed her family, the town where she grew up, and the friends and memories of her childhood. She carried with her the values, traditions, faith, and love of family that had shaped her.
Josefina graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Her thirst for knowledge continued throughout her life. She earned a Diploma from the Melbourne College of Early Childhood Education in Australia, a Master of Education and later a Doctor of Education in Psychometrics from Boston University. In 1986, she continued her studies in Developmental Psychology at Harvard University. Her academic excellence was recognized through several prestigious scholarships, including the United Nations Scholarship, Colombo Plan Scholarship, and University of the Philippines Fellowship Scholarship.
Josefina began her teaching career at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, and after moving to the United States continued working in education at Boston College, St. Columbkille's School, and Boston University. In 1969, she joined Worcester State College in Massachusetts, where she became a Professor of Education and remained until her retirement in 1999.
For thirty years, Josefina taught and inspired generations of students. She was more than a professor; she was a mentor who encouraged others to continue learning, believe in themselves, and use their knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. Josefina carried her father's belief in the transformative power of education into her own life and career. In his honor, and in the hope of encouraging future generations of educators, she established the Jose Bunuan Memorial Scholarship at Worcester State University. Her passion for early childhood education also led her to present at the 20th World Congress of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education in 1992. She devoted her time to humanitarian work as secretary of Restoring Sight International, Inc.
Josefina's contributions to education earned her recognition by Marquis Who's Who as a noteworthy educator. Yet, for those who knew her, her greatest accomplishments were not her degrees, titles, or professional recognition. Her true legacy was found in the students she inspired, the people she helped, and the family and friends she loved.
A devoted Roman Catholic, Josefina carried her faith and her love of family throughout her life. She was a woman of intelligence, determination, kindness, and remarkable curiosity who built an extraordinary life while remaining deeply connected to her roots.
Josefina was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jose Villanueva and Ignacia (Santiago) Bunuan, and her dear siblings, Francisca Bunuan, Pablo Bunuan, and Sister Ignatia Bunuan. She now rests in eternal peace, reunited with those she loved and carried in her heart.
She is survived by her beloved brother, Lino Bunuan and his wife, Bella; nephews Joseph and Michael; and nieces Jocelyn, Joyce, and Joanna, who will forever cherish her memory and the love, wisdom, and kindness she shared with them.
Josefina leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond her distinguished career. She showed through her life that learning is a lifelong journey and that knowledge is most meaningful when it is shared with others. Though she is no longer with us, Josefina's spirit will live on in the lessons she taught, the values she shared, and the memories held by all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Josefina. You will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.
Visiting hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Friday, September 11th from 4-8pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, September 12th at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Theresa Church at 10am. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.