1951
2012
Amy Hackney Wunder, 61, of Orlando, passed away on November 3, 2012. She was born on July 18, 1951 in Pennington Gap, Virginia, to Thomas and Bea Hackney. Survivors include her husband, Nick Wunder; children, Julie Wunder (son-in-law Shon Norris) and Tommy Wunder; mother, Bea Hackney.
Amy lived in several southern cities before her family settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee when she was in middle school. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1973. She continued her education in law school at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. After several semesters in law school Amy decided that she was more drawn to education and switched her focus from law school to education. She began her career by teaching high school English.
While living in Knoxville, Amy met Nick Wunder at a Sunday School class. They married on July 17, 1976. They briefly lived in Fort Worth, Texas, where Julie was born in 1979, before settling in Orlando in 1981. Tommy was born in 1983.
Amy took a break from her career from the time Julie was born until Tommy started school. During that time she was an active member at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, starting the original "Mother's Day Out" program at the church. She was one of the people responsible for helping get funding for the original church expansion.
Amy went back to school and completed her Masters in Education with straight A's at the University of Central Florida in 1988. Shortly after, she started working again as a Guidance Counselor at Dr. Phillips High School. She became a beloved member of the staff and the "go to" person for helping students get into Ivy League colleges.
In 2000, Orange County Schools selected Amy as one of the original staff to open Olympia High School. She worked behind the scenes for a year before the school opened and made many decisions that shaped the way the school is today. Amy was the head of the Guidance Department for several years before she took on a new role to focus more on helping students and the Olympia High School Advanced Placement Experience Scholars Academy (APEX). She continued to be a highly respected Counselor who helped many with her passion for education. She laboriously shaped the lives of thousands of students by helping get them into college. Amy was well known for her extensive knowledge of hundreds of colleges, universities, and scholarship programs. She was very successful at this since she spent a great deal of her own time visiting colleges. She excelled at knowing which college would be the "best fit" for her students. Students were always grateful to get her one-of-a-kind, eloquent, and insightful letters of recommendation. Amy retired from Olympia High School in 2011. When she retired, her former students got together and sent her hundreds of letters thanking her for everything she did. She was also an Orange County High School Counselor of the Year and an Honorary Admissions Officer of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Beyond all, Amy was a beautiful wife and mother. Her family was the center of her life and she spent her time focused on creating a loving family bond that will never be broken. She will be remembered for her quiet grace, humility, and giving nature. She led her life with a high moral compass, setting an example for others to follow.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 12, 2012, 10:00 am at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 4851 South Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, Florida 32819, (407) 876-4991. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Amy's memory to St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 19, 2012
Robert Tester
Julie, Even though I never knew your mom I know she must have been a wonderful mom, wife and best friend. If she is anything like you, she is one of a kind. My prayers are with you and your family and remember that because of hope in Jesus, you will see her again one day soon.
November 19, 2012
Jack & Carole Mayer
Those we love remain a part of us, and live on in memories and the legacy they leave behind. Certainly Amy left this world a much better place because she made a difference in so many ways for so many people. Heartfelt condolences to Nick, Julie, and Tom. May your memories of Amy continue to be a source of comfort and peace to you always.
November 14, 2012
Rebecca Ruppel McGlohn
Dear Wunder and Norris Families -
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you all. Amy was a wonderful person, and even though I didn't know her extremely well, I know that she will be missed dearly. Julie - PLEASE let me know if there is anything I can do for you!
Rebecca Ruppel McGlohn
November 14, 2012
Brenda Ball
Sorry to hear this, sympathy and prayers going up for the family at this time...
November 14, 2012
Kelly Waldroup
Thinking and praying for you and your family Julie. I pray God gives you strength and comfort in your time of loss. Take peace my friend in knowing you will see her again. Love to you
November 14, 2012
Jason Ruppe
We in Rutherford County are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are uplifted in our prayers!
November 14, 2012
John & Joyce Adams
Nick,
We were so saddened to hear of Amy's sudden passing. Know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers as you travel this difficult road with God's help.
November 12, 2012
Jay and Meg Clark
Nick,
Thank you for sharing these special family memories with everyone. What a wonderful tribute to Amy's life. Please know that our prayers are with you and Julie and Tommy.
November 12, 2012
Nan Davis
Dear Nick and family,
You have my deepest sympathy. May prayers and love uphold you in the days and weeks ahead. Sincerely,
November 12, 2012
Dr. Phillips High School
The administration, faculty, staff and students of Dr. Phillips High School wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Wunder Family. Our prayers are with you during your time of bereavement.
November 12, 2012
Ann & Fred Conley
Nick & Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult of times.
November 12, 2012
Randy Smith
With deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Randy and Michelle Smith
November 10, 2012
Gary Evans
Nick,Julie,and Tommy.
I'm am sadden for your (our) loss.
Amy was a great mother and wife.
She lived a good life, touched many people with her personality and knowledge. Her spirit will continue to live on with everyone.
Amy was taken to early, but God has a plan for her.
- "She earned her wings"...
My heart goes out to you and those that new her.
May you continue to feel comforted by the love of the family and friends.
Peace be with you.
You are in our hearts.
November 9, 2012
Ben and Amy Krise
We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for your family during this difficult time. Ben and Amy Krise
November 9, 2012
Mary Hager
Julie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
November 9, 2012
Julie Fries
To the Wunder Family:
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May Amy's spirit live on through the many people whose lives she has touched. Peace be with you.
November 9, 2012
Always gracious, always a smile and a kind word, never complaining. . .missed, but not forgotten by her Olympian family.
Linda Cook
November 9, 2012
David Styles
My condolences, folks. May God reveal His great love for Amy and for you in strong and unmistakable ways in these hard days. Love overcomes and God's love overcomes every obstacle we allow Him to touch. May His peace find you and fill you always.
November 9, 2012
Alice Gordon
As your family heals, know that Amy's legacy lives on in the successes of the many students and parents whose lives she touched. May the peace of God bring you much strength as you walk through this path of grief. Orange County Public Schools have been fortunate to have had her as one of our dedicated counselors. God's love and peace I pray for you.
November 9, 2012
Judy Pappas
Amy will be missed. She was a wonderful soul.
Judy Pappas
November 9, 2012
Dear Nick, Julie and Tommy,
I can not tell you how sorry we are to hear about Amy! She was indeed a wonderful mother, wife, christian and to us a fabulous guidance counselor, great friend and perfect neighbor! We miss having the Wunder family as neighbors! Amy will be truly missed by many! Please know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Ivy & John
November 8, 2012
Melinda Byrne
Amy was a wonderful, kind, and caring woman. I treasure the time we worked together at Olympia and am grateful for her help as I was learning the ropes. She will be missed.
November 8, 2012
Katie & Dan Buchanan
Nick & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 8, 2012
Connie Washam
She was an inspiration to all and a living a legacy of service to her students. Nick, I hope all the wonderful messages here in her honor will bring some peace and consolation. Many prayerss for you and the family.
November 8, 2012
Tom Loebig
To the Wunder family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I was lucky enough to have Julie as a co-worker and friend for many years in Asheville. I know how close you are as a family , by the conversations I had with Julie. Children are a reflection of their parents. Julie is a caring, positive young woman and the image of her mother. My heart goes out to all of you in this time of sorrow.
November 8, 2012
Kristin Harmel
I was Julie's college roommate, and if there's one thing I remember about Mrs. Wunder, it's how much she loved her two children and her husband. She was a wonderful mom and a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wunder family.
November 8, 2012
Andrea Leung
To Julie and the Wunder Family,
I was devastated when I heard the news. Mrs. Wunder was such a kind, dedicated, caring and fun person. I am so appreciative to have always felt welcome in her home. Mrs. Wunder will be dearly missed. Best wishes to all of you.
Love, Andrea
November 8, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your famiy Nick. Paul & Mary Chapman
November 8, 2012
Cindy Harover
My thoughts are with all of the family. Amy was a sweet lady and I admired her greatly. My sincere condolences to you all.
November 7, 2012
Bardia Sanjabi
You helped thousands of students like myself get into some of the best colleges in the country. Rest in peace knowing that you made a difference creating a brighter generation for the future.
November 7, 2012
The LoCastro Family
Amy was both of my sons' counselor in APEX at Olympia. She was always so kind, knowledgeable and helpful to them. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace.
November 7, 2012
Charu Kumarhia
Our thoughts are with the Wunder family. May God grant them strength, clarity and peace. Love, Charu & Gary
November 7, 2012
Charu Kumarhia
Our thoughts our with the Wunder family - May God grant them strength, clarity and peace. Love, Charu & Gary
November 7, 2012
Pati Osekowski
It is with sadness that we receive news of Amy's passing. Our hearts are with the Wunder family.
November 7, 2012
Deb and Wes Wasylik
When our daughter, Colleen, was in 12th grade at Olympia, she was looking at Davidson College and Amy recommended we also look at Duke while we were touring. Colleen ended up being accepted at Duke and graduated in 2009. She got an amazing educational experience that probably wouldn't have happened if Amy had not been so invested in her students that she took time to seek out "best fit" colleges for them. She was amazing, warm, helpful and so special. The world is less bright since she left it. -
November 7, 2012
Shana Horne
Amy was an amazing person. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wunder family during this time.
November 7, 2012
Estefania
To the Wunder Family,may she rest in peace, Ms. Wunder was a great counselor and person. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
November 7, 2012
Wanda Grawet
I had the pleasure of working with Amy at Dr. Phillips and Olympia. She was a gracious lady who left a legacy of helping many students have a brighter future. May her family feel the Divine peace that passes all understanding and take comfort in the trail of love and purpose she left behind.
November 7, 2012
Mariela Laracuente
Dear Wunder family,
I will always remember Amy's kind spirit and her grace. She was always happy to help out no matter how busy she was. She was a true lady who loved her family very much. Her face always lit up when she talked about her children. She was so proud and grateful to have her family. I feel blessed that I got to know Amy. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please take comfort in knowing that Amy will be remembered by the many, many people's lives she touched. She will live on in our hearts and memories.
November 7, 2012
Virginia Gregory
My sincere condolences to Amy's family. She was such a sweet person, she will be missed.... prayers Ms.Gregory-Olympia High School
November 7, 2012
Michael White
To Amy Wunder you were a very special lady .....My Prayers and Thoughts are with your family at this special time. You will be missed at Olympia High School
November 7, 2012
Christa Johnson
Amy was an incredible co-worker! You will be missed!
November 7, 2012
Hope Sims
To the Wunder family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Amy was a beautiful person inside and out.
November 7, 2012
Tamara Pettengell
Amy had an amazing amount of knowledge in her profession. I can still see all the awards hanging in her office that she recieved over the years. I admired her and am thankful for her mentoring me. Amy, I enjoyed your conversations about your children and what they were doing and I will miss your valuable advice. We feel empty here now. Prayers and love to your family.
November 7, 2012
Debbie Clark
When someone you love becomes a memory. The memories become a treasure. Amy was a special lady and I am grateful to have known her.
November 7, 2012
Kimberly Thomson
Just crushed to hear this news. Amy will be dearly missed. I pray for peace for Amy's loved ones during this difficult time.
November 7, 2012
Meire Silva
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 6, 2012
Tammie Travis
a wonderful wonderful LAdy..You will be missed!
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
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