Bunny Mullins crossed the finish line on September 16, 2026, three days after accomplishing her final goal - living to be 95, like her mother. She led an ordinary and remarkable life. You won't read about her in history textbooks, scientific journals or People Magazine, but she leaves an impact across multiple generations that will be felt for decades to come.

Bunny was born during the Great Depression, the third of four children of John and Nora Dougherty. She was raised in "South" River Forest (an important distinction to her) in a household that also included her grandmother, aunt and uncle. The quarters were crowded but the love, music and dancing were abundant, and there was always one more seat at the table. Her upbringing truly shaped the woman she became, and all who met her can attest to her warm, welcoming personality. She never knew a stranger.

As with anyone who is blessed with the years she lived, she overcame her share of adversity - she was a polio and cancer survivor, and she lost many loved ones along the way - but she was never down for long. Her determination and will power carried her through even the most difficult times.

Bunny was a graduate of Oak Park-River Forest High School, and was a distinguished alum of Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, where she met her best, life-long friend, Mary Jane (Stamm) Joslin. She worked at Time Magazine in downtown Chicago until she became pregnant with her first child, Tim, and was no longer allowed to work. She was always proud of the fact that her savings from this job allowed her and her husband, Edward, to buy their first home on the southside of Chicago. They eventually settled in River Forest, and raised their 8 children right across the street from the house she grew up in.

In 1964, she and Edward started the E. J. Mullins Co., which is still in business today, employing the 3rd generation of family members. While not involved in the day-to-day running of the business after the first few years (she was busy raising the future employees), her work ethic and guidance were an example that her children and grandchildren carry forward to this day. She was more than a silent partner.

Bunny's grandchildren were the light of her life, and she had a special relationship with each and every one. She would always say that she never had a favorite, but "honorable mention" goes to Katie Nora, daughter of John and Norine, who was her roommate and right-hand woman for the last two years. They were a dynamic duo, and we will always be grateful to Katie for the quality she brought to Grandma Bun's life in her final years.

As the matriarch of a large family, Bunny wore many hats, but the one she reveled in most, later in life (besides being a grandmother), was her career as a water aerobics instructor at Gottlieb Health and Fitness Center. She began that chapter at the young age of 70, and worked there until COVID shut the club down, just shy of her 89th birthday. She loved every minute of her time in the pool with her students.

Bunny loved spending time at her home in Lily Lake, road trips - especially the annual spring break trips to Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, FL, Old Fashioned cocktails, music of the 1940's (especially Glenn Miller), belting out a tune whenever she could get the mic, the color yellow, and all children and babies. Her Irish heritage was a source of great pride, and St. Patrick's Day celebrated on Madison St. was among the highlights of her year.

Bunny was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nora Dougherty, her brother Jack (the late Lois), her sisters, Bliss Gillespie and Bobbie (the late Tom) Sullivan, and grandson, Patrick Mullins. She is survived by her children Tim (Mabel), Mark (Eileen), Maureen (Brian) Connelly, Kevin, Molly (Tom) Swock, Meg (Kurt) Amen, John (Norine), and Terrence (Erica). She leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews numbering in the hundreds.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester, IL, on Wednesday, September 23rd 2026, from 3 - 8 p.m. All will meet Thursday September 24th for an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Luke Church, 7600 Lake St., River Forest, IL (Please click here to watch livestream of Mass). Interment will be private at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Misericordia Home in the name of Molly Mullins #6417A.

For funeral info: 708-562-5900.