In Tribute
Lucinda Weil Bunnen will forever be one of the brightest stars in our constellation of strong women. Hambidge would not exist without her. For over 30 years, her leadership and support buoyed us during our most difficult challenges and fortified us until we found our footing. Our gratitude to her is beyond words.
On April 2nd, 2022 hundreds of family and friends gathered for a heartwarming celebration of Lucinda’s remarkable life. Everyone attending felt the power of Lucinda when she arrived in the spirit of a freight train, forcing a magical pause in the elegy. Below is the full poem by Hambidge Executive Director, Jamie Badoud, which was followed by a special closing sing along of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” (the song suggested by Lucinda herself) with amended verses including “we’ll all be makin’ pictures when she comes.”
Lucinda Weil Bunnen was everything y’all
No river was too wide, No mountain too tall
Always pushing boundaries, Always showing up, always growing
She knew better than anyone just which way the wind was blowing
Born with a compassionate heart and a brilliant mind,
She was a creative force of nature and truly one of a kind
[Then entered the freight train, right on time]
A towering oak tree standing strong and tall
her deep roots connected us all
Her photographs revealed complex beauty and wonder
And she embraced her leading role as our matriarch collector and funder
She was simply a joy to be with
time with Lucinda was always a gift
inspired moments in the woods walking
pausing to breathe in the splendor all around
every word mattered when she was talking
every move on the dance floor aimed to get down
when out & about she was not afraid to talk to a stranger about anything
asking opinions on the art or if they are gonna finish that chicken wing,
raise your hand if Lucinda ever ate of your plate
And that glorious smile, nothing warms my heart more
Than to see that smile cutting a rug on the dance floor
She moved through 92 years with endless curiosity and grace
Focusing her wisdom on making this world a better place
Each year of her life, her star only burned brighter
Proving all the way to the end to be a fierce fighter
this community is forever changed from Lucinda’s love
the magnitude of her impact, we are simply in awe of
she was a true Renaissance Woman, Trailblazer and Catalyst;
a Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Philanthropist,
a Steeplechase Champion, Visionary, Pioneer, Icon & Legend-yes, it is all true,
but what’s most memorable was her genuine & sincere friendship to me & you
And how fortunate are we to have learned from Lucinda’s ways
To build ourselves a more fulfilling life with brighter days
So in Lucinda’s honor let’s raise a glass of good cheer
And celebrate carrying forward her incredible legacy, right now, right here
The Hambidge Center looks forward to continuing to celebrate Lucinda’s legacy in many ways in the future.
Stay tuned for more to come this Fall when Lucinda’s Rock House gets a major upgrade, new buildings are completed and more.
April 2nd, 2022 Lucinda’s Memorial Service at the Atlanta Contemporary
Writing about the passing and impact of the legendary Lucinda Bunnen- William Boling
Make a gift to Hambidge in Lucinda’s honor