News Story - Idaho State Journal

POCATELLO -- The home of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist is called Desert House, but it's more closely resembled a desert oasis for several years thanks to the efforts of a dedicated gardener, Mother Mona Brunner.

Brunner, a founding member of the FSE community, died at her home Thursday from an illness. She was 75.

A close friend at Desert House, Sister Anthony Marie, said Brunner exemplified the virtues of St. Francis. She loved animals, and she worked the land.

In the spring, Brunner spent every free moment weeding and planting flowers in the gardens surrounding Desert House, Sister Anthony Marie recalled. Brunner was also well known throughout the community, and within her order, for making fresh caramel nut pull-aparts. The desserts were always a top seller at bake sales hosted by the sisters.

"There are a lot of people who are coming out of everywhere saying how much she helped them," Anthony Marie said. "She was a very giving person and yet very humble. She didn't want to attract attention to herself and was always of great assistance to young and old alike, and dearly loved by young and old alike."

A vigil for Brunner is scheduled from 3-7 p.m. Sunday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 524 N. 7th St. A mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Anthony's at 2 p.m. Monday, and burial will follow in the Franciscan Cemetery.

Anthony Marie is confident one of the sisters will carry on Brunner's legacy by beautifying the household.

Brunner founded the Franciscan Family Life Center and the Franciscan Counseling Center in Pocatello and served Southeast Idaho families for 39 years as a teacher, principal and marriage and family therapist. She also worked for a while at the Power County Press in American Falls and as an agricultural enumerator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Brunner, born in Durand, Wis., was the youngest of five children. She had a bachelor of science degree from Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wis., in 1961 and a master of arts in sacred doctrine from St. Mary's, Notre Dame in 1967. She also studied theology at Fordham University.

By John O'Connell

This document was originally published online on Saturday, October 04, 2008

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Fred Karau wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:14 PM:

" Sister Mona was a teacher and a principal at St. Margaret's Catholic Grade School in Blackfoot during the early 1970s. I had the privilege of being one of her students. She was a wonderful teacher and a good friend. This world is a better place and I am a better person because of her. May she rest in eternal peace. "

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