Rachael Louise Brunner, 97, of Newport News, passed away, after a long illness Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, with her loving family by her side. She was born June 23, 1922, in Richmond and had been a Peninsula resident since 1952.
She retired from Newport News Shipbuilding after many years in the Painters Department and was proud of her work on the USS Nimitz. Rachael attended Mount Carmel Catholic Church, and was also a member of the Warwick Moose Lodge, Chapter 1383, where she enjoyed working the bingo games for more than 15 years. She was also a member of the Red Hatters Organization.
Rachael was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Reavy Butler; six sisters and one brother; beloved husband, Clarence; and son, Aubrey.
She is survived by two children, Shirley Williamson (Howard) and Barry Brunner (Cindy); and 47 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Piedmont Unit of The Warwick Forest Nursing Home for all their loving care and would especially like to thank Dr. Evans and Dr. Mac at PACE.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Peninsula Funeral Home with a funeral service following at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Peninsula Memorial Park.
Share online condolences with the family at Peninsula Funeral Home.
