Carolyn Bruninga McGough, 71, passed away on April 2, 2017. She was a much beloved wife, sister, teacher, friend, and colleague. Carolyn was born in Birmingham, Alabama on March 5, 1946, to Maybelle and Ervin Bruninga and was raised in Florence along with her brothers, John and Bob. She was a graduate of Coffee High in 1964 and Rhodes College (formerly Southwestern at Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee) in 1968 graduating as a member of the Honors Society Phi Beta Kappa. Carolyn earned her master’s in education (Spanish) at Emory University in Atlanta and married her high school sweetheart, Matthew, after his tours in Vietnam. She began teaching Spanish in Atlanta but then became a buyer for Parex, Inc., a career that combined her language skills with natural financial ability and a meticulous sense of detail. Carolyn had a zest for life and retired to the home that she and Matthew built on ten acres in the north Georgia mountains near Blairsville. She loved taking care of their land and home and serving others in the community through her work with the Mountain Presbyterian Church. Carolyn was known for her sharp mind and quick wit. She was a lifelong learner and reader whose curiosity and insights enriched the lives of those around her. She was concerned about protecting nature and our environment and living a sustainable life of care.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Matthew, and two brothers, Bob, now in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and John in Florence, Alabama. She was the matriarch of the Bruninga family and will be truly missed by all including her friends, students, and colleagues. Memorial services were held on Friday, April 7, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Mountain Presbyterian Church. If you would like to celebrate Carolyn’s life, please consider a donation to Mountain Presbyterian Church Building and Grounds Maintenance Fund (3831 Hwy 515 East, Blairsville, GA 30512).
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at mountainviewfuneralhome.com.
