Michele Francine Giustino Brunner, age 74, died Monday, December 25, 2023, peacefully at her home in Sunset Beach, NC.

Beloved daughter to Michael and Frances (Volino) Giustino, Michele was born on August 16, 1949 in Yonkers, NY. She was raised in Mahopac, NY and later moved to White Plains, NY. Michele graduated from White Plains High School in 1967. She married and had 3 children. Later in life Michele was a secretary for the City of White Plains where she met, Edward Brunner. Ed and Michele married in 1978. They spent time raising 3 children and then had their daughter Amy in 1983. Michele was a longtime teacher’s assistant for the White Plains School District and retired to Sunset Beach, NC in 2001.

Michele was a devoted mother, wife, sister, neighbor and friend who found great joy in spending time with her family and extended family. She was known for her authentic nature and generosity of spirit. Michele enjoyed cheering her children on in their sporting and school events. She adored her children and grandchildren and cultivated a special relationship with each. She found time to be a constant source of encouragement in their lives. Michele took great pleasure in gardening, cooking, crafting, shopping and tending to her house plants. She loved bowling, line dancing, playing cards and enjoyed her weekly card games with the ladies. She enjoyed reading books, watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and PBS. She loved to travel especially to Bermuda and Cabo San Lucas and taking trips back to NYC and attending the ballet and shows on Broadway. She was a wonderful cook and loved to host dinner parties for friends and family. Michele was known for her amazing charismatic personality and willingness to listen. She was often accompanied by her dog, Stella and enjoyed watching the birds that flew into her backyard. She loved to watch Sunset Beach sunrises from her sunroom. Michele was an active member of St. Brendan’s the Navigator Church. Michele demonstrated her faith by volunteering for church events and found pleasure and comfort in attending church services regularly.

Surviving are husband: Edward Brunner; son: James Covert; daughters: Francine Thomas (Christopher Thomas), Amy Magnotta (Angelo Magnotta); grandchildren: Cali Covert, Ali Covert, William Covert, Gabriella Covert, Michele Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Angelo Magnotta and Adeline Magnotta and one great grandchild: Giannina Ortiz. In addition to her parents, Michele is preceded in death by her son: William Covert.

The Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 5101 Ocean Hwy W Shallotte, NC 28470. Honoring her wishes a cremation will take place and an internment memorial will be at a later date in New York.

Memorial donations may be made to paws-ability.org or stjude.org