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Sunny von Bulow
Sunny von Bulow
Obituary
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Sunny von Bulow Obituary
She died at a nursing home in New York, her children said in a statement issued by family spokeswoman Maureen Connelly.
Martha von Bulow was a personification of romantic notions about high society — a stunning heiress who brought her American millions to marriages to men who gave her honored old European names.
But she ended her days in a coma, giving no sign of awareness as she was visited by her children and tended around the clock by nurses.
She was the offstage presence that haunted the two sensational trials of her husband, Claus von Bulow, in Providence, R.I.
At the first trial, in 1982, Claus von Bulow was convicted of trying twice to kill her by injecting her with insulin at their estate in Newport, R.I. That verdict was thrown out on appeal and he was acquitted at a second trial in 1985.
The murder case split Newport society, produced lurid headlines and was later made into a film, "Reversal of Fortune," starring Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons.
Claus von Bulow's main accusers were his wife's children by a previous marriage, Princess Annie Laurie von Auersperg Kniessl and Prince Alexander von Auersperg. They renewed the charges against their stepfather in a civil lawsuit a month after his acquittal.
Two years later, Claus von Bulow agreed to give up any claims to his wife's estimated $25 million-to-$40 million fortune and to the $120,000-a-year income of a trust she set up for him. He also agreed to divorce her, leave the country and never profit from their story.
Her world was reduced to a private, guarded room in the Harkness Pavilion and later the McKeen Pavilion of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. She died at the Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home, her family said.
She was born Martha Sharp Crawford in Pittsburgh on Sept. 1, 1931, daughter of utilities tycoon George Crawford, who died when she was 4.
"Sunny," nicknamed for her disposition, was raised by her mother in New York City.
While touring Europe with her mother, she met Prince Alfred von Auersperg, who was younger, penniless and working as the tennis pro at an Austrian resort catering to rich Americans. They were married in 1957 and divorced eight years later after she returned alone to New York with their young son and daughter.
On June 6, 1966, she married von Bulow, who then quit his job as an aide to oilman J. Paul Getty.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
93 Entries
May 31, 2019
JUAN IGNACIO MILANO
November 16, 2014
que descanses en paz. me gustaría haberte conocido. te quiero mucho y siempre te voy a recordar con amor.
juan Ignacio milano. ARGENTINA
Martha Crawford
July 23, 2014
Hmm.
"Aunt Sunny" - who I have never met has been part of my life story since I was born.
My grandfather, Richard Crawford, was raised/adopted by "Uncle George" - Sunny's father after he was orphaned, and I was named after his younger adopted sister/cousin: Martha Crawford.
as a child I was told of her years as a glamorous model, as a socialite and philanthropist. I aspired to be like her.
When she fell into a coma and her case burst forth, my grandfather grieved. I watched, and followed the story in the press through my adolescence invested, protective, from the sidelines, a distant relative who had no direct attachment but felt profoundly associated, linked - to a namesake I never knew.
Her death and story and grace and glamour have been part of me - and it is strange to mourn someone who is both kin and stranger. But I do, and I have.
I used to search through family photos: "There Martha! there she is!" And now when I think of her, I google myself and her familiar face emerges in my place.
Belated condolences to cousins never met. And I appreciate this opportunity to commemorate my odd and disenfranchised loss.
Patsy Dailey
June 23, 2013
I light this candle for the children to find their way in the darkness when they lost their mother to a coma. With Love & Prayers
How you can show support
Hillary Bjerke
January 7, 2013
I just found Sunnys story out of curiousity touched my heart.How brave her family must've been to endure those agonizing 28yrs.of what boils down to nothing really.I'm sad that justice was not dealt.I'm grateful knowing she's w/the Lord.May God bless&keep u all in good health&happiness because life's too short.xo
Tess Field
December 17, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family of Sunny von Bulow. After being in a coma for 28 years, she is finally free of this life and will be nestled safely in the arms of Almighty God!
Mandy Johnson
July 4, 2012
May all the wrongs be finally righted and your spirit soar surrounded by love in the freedom from sorrow that you so deserved.
rochelle suarez
November 25, 2011
i findher story very interesting
Maribel
March 13, 2011
I'm sorry for the lost of your mother. She is and a better place. I truly admire your courage.
Anthony Norwood
January 12, 2011
I'm so very sorry for your lost losing your mother at any age is terrible. The time will make it easier to handle
nicholas deveno
November 21, 2010
I did not know sunny crawford aka von bulow. but i have been following this story for some time and take great comfort in knowing she can rest eternally in peace with our heavenly father!!!
Craig Lloyd Stedry
August 14, 2010
I am saddend by the death of Sunny Von Bulow but happy she no longer has to live in a coma.
Linda Garcia
April 8, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family. I read her story summer of '83.
January 2, 2010
I just saw again the movie "Reversal of Fortune" last night.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Sunny's family. May she be happy wherever she is now.
Karen Sleva
September 14, 2009
I pray that these Bible verses, which you heard at your mother's Episcopal Funeral Mass, will give you peace and hope. John 11, verses 25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live: And he that liveth and believeth in me shall never die."
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother recently and my grandmother in 1999. These two verses keep me going. I had them enscribed on their grave marker.
Misty Williams
September 11, 2009
I am sorry to hear about this. I only knew of Sunny in a book a I recently read. I was curious to find out more, and now I know. My very deepest condolences to her children and family.
Peter Graham
August 19, 2009
Amazingly, Sunny VonBulow was able to live for some 28 years, in a coma!
The human body is marvelously designed. Its development and growth are simply a miracle.
Is it possible that we were not meant to get sick,
grow old and die but to live forever on earth?
At John 5:28, 29, Jesus said: “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”
Our Condolence to the Family
Renee & John Ford
August 13, 2009
My deepest condolences to Sunny's family. May she rest in peace now and forever. A dear friend always.
Renee & John Ford
London, England
David Stover
July 9, 2009
To Sunny's family:I'm so sorry to find out about your mother.I never knew her or any of you but I first found out about her case by reading a book by Kirk Wilson.My own mother passed on recently.
Diane Vincent
May 3, 2009
To Ala, Alexander and Cosima. I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother, Sunny Von Bulow. I didn't know your family but only recently saw a story on the case. Upon researching the net i found that she had died. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your familys.
mike paul
March 20, 2009
i am sorry to hear of the passing of miss von bulow.
Gloria Garcia
March 6, 2009
I remember when this first occured and have always thought about Sunny Von Bulow and her children.
Being the same age as her children, I could only imagine the heartache. We have been able to see and know what a wonderful mother she was through her children. May she rest in eternal peace, and may your hearts that carry your loving memories and love for her be your comfort and strength each day.
sharleene mcdonald
January 27, 2009
i was just browsing the web when i came upon this sad news, i am so sorry for the family i know what its like to lose a parent, i found my parents murdered 8yrs ago & my heart goes out to you, i will keep you in my prayers, love always sharleene.
donna
January 15, 2009
i signed this guest book earlier when i learned of her death, however after reading alexander's eulogy i feel compelled to write again....what a beautiful eulogy it was. such an insight into a "mom", another human being, a lady who loved her animals, and bestowed good qualities in her children. when alex mentions his sisters, his wife, and their children, it becomes evident how important the matriarch of the family can be, the everlasting legacy that remains. and thanking those that cared for her. i cannot imagine what went through the minds of her children during all of this..
it was very beautiful.
may she rest in peace, and know that she lived in peace, cared for so well, as you mentioned- no age lines.
all the best to those who loved her.
Betsy
January 15, 2009
I just know that there are Dogs in Heaven. I believe in my heart that Sunny is running and playing with her beloved fur babies who have been waiting for her for a very long time.
Blessings and peace to those who love her.
JS
January 15, 2009
From what I've read "Sunny" was a very fitting name for this elegant woman.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to her children.
anthony deluca
January 15, 2009
It is with profound sadness and tragic Irony,that we must bid Sunny a fond farewell.Her life in slumber was anything but shining,although,the glow did come from the constant loving care she received from her loving and adoring family and her legions of caring friends.
John Vallante
January 15, 2009
Alexander to you and your entire family my deepest sympathy goes out to you all. May God bless you and give you the strength to stay strong through this sad time.
JohnVallante
Jake Kaplan's
Land Rover Warwick,R.I.
gloria del bonis
January 14, 2009
Please accept our condolences, from your former retired florists -Village Flower Shop Cranston R.I. She has joined my brother,Frank her Newport floral designer in eternal rest. gloria
Francesca Osigian
January 3, 2009
Thank you for honoring your mother and taking such good care of her.
I lost my mother suddenly in 1967 at age 49, I was 8. As a result I feel a connection with your family and I am so proud of you. Somehow I feel as though by taking care of your mother you took care of my mine. Thank you for rousing this sense of appreciation and peace through your decency and love. May the Lord bless you and keep you and grant you His grace and peace.
Mrs JB Snowden Morgan
December 17, 2008
Sincere sadness at the loss of Martha Von Bulow. Thoughts and prayers are with Ala, Alexander and Cosmia and members of the Aitken family whom loved her greatly.
Mrs JB Snowden Morgan / Palm Beach
Patricia Rogers
December 14, 2008
Death, be not proud
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
By John Donne
The Poetry Foundation
Jacqueline Vann
December 13, 2008
Rest in peace, Mrs. Sunny von Bulow. You can now share your beautiful smile with Heaven's angels.
William Baker St. John
December 12, 2008
I pray that God, in His infinite mercy, finally grant Sunny the peace that so elluded her in life. May He grant her family, especially her three children, and friends a portion of this peace. May she always be remembered by the name with which she was called and which so personified her in life, "Sunny". May her legacy live on through her children and the philanthropic organizations they have created in her name. God bless you Sunny.
William Ashton Glynn Baker St. John. Hon. Knight of Columbus
JAMES & REBECCA PENA
December 11, 2008
SUNNY.....
ALWAYS LOVELY AND GRACIOUS.YOU
COMMANDED RESPECT AND YOUR LIFE WAS ALWAYS "BULLET PROOF" REST WITH THE ANGELS.
IN MEMORY
December 11, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to the children and their families of such a grand, beautiful, lady who has been in my prayers for the last 28 years. Grand Dames as she are rarely seen now-a-days. God needed another Angel and he made a wonderful choice. Now she and God will both be watching over her loving children who were so strong in their fight for their mother and what was right. God Bless Them Always.
Roberta Garcia
December 11, 2008
My prayers are with your family Sunny von Bulow that they can comfort each other during this time of sadness and that your memories will warm their hearts.
Kandi Harkins
December 11, 2008
Rest in Peace Sunny.
God knows you've earned it.
You are now in the Lords hands & there is no better place for you to be after all you've been through.
Gof Bless your children & family.
[email protected] max21808
December 11, 2008
GOD BLESS YOU SUNNY, YOU ARE NOW FREE AND IN THE GREATEST PLACE. YOU DESERVE TO BE ON THOSE STREETS OF GOLD. WHAT HAPPEN TO YOU ON THIS EARTH WAS NOT FAIR TO YOU AT ALL, NOW YOUR TIME HAS COME TO BE THAT WINGED ANGEL
I KEPT UP WITH YOUR STORY FROM DAY ONE AND JUSTICE WAS NEVER GIVEN. YOU HAVE YOUR JUSTICE NOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN. GOD BLESS YOUR LOVED ONES. REST IN PEACE.
Carol Campbell
December 10, 2008
So very sad!! Everyone lost out on so much! Sunny rest in peace you deserve it!
Louise Trapp
December 10, 2008
Her story has always intrigued me. I had followed the news, story, movie, etc. She was a beauty and now is in a beautiful place...with God.
louis carwell
December 9, 2008
Rest in peace Sunny,you were one heck of a woman. May the Lord bless you and your family always.
Juanita Ward
December 9, 2008
I have memories of keeping up with, the story of Sunny, as a child. I had no idea that she was still around, I wish the family well, that she has gone to a better place, as a young woman, I keeper up with the papers, to see what had happen each day, and if she had recovered, as I prayed she would.
Cindy
December 9, 2008
Her circumstances were so sad, but now she is finally free. Condolences to her loved ones.
A friend
December 9, 2008
May Sunny rest in peace. She is now looking down from above. My condolences to her family.
Karen Connell
December 9, 2008
At long last, peace for Sunny.
-The family of Alfred L Connell
Sidney Chism
December 9, 2008
Fly Free Sunny, Enjoy your wings! Stretch out and soar!
Cheryl
December 9, 2008
Enjoy Heaven, Sunny.
It has to be wonderful to finally be free from your coma. Know that the world has felt your and your family's sorrow for all these years. God Bless you and your children.
Sharon
December 9, 2008
Our Prayers Are With You
Sheri Clark
December 9, 2008
Sunny is finally home and at peace. God bless and rest her soul. Our deepest sympathy to her children.
JAKE
December 8, 2008
I ALWAYS HAD HOPE SHE WOULD MAYBE WAKE UP ONE DAY REST IN PEACE SUNNY
Laura .
December 8, 2008
My deepest sympathy to ALL her children for the loss of their mother for the second and final time. I hope you can find comfort knowing that she is walking with the lord watching over all of you.
A FRIEND
December 8, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Elizabeth Smalls
December 8, 2008
To Sunny, Annie & Alexander:
Your mother is free at last. She is resting in peace, and peace to all of you also. your mother passed on my birthday. She was a fighter. God bless.
ELIZABETH RICCI
December 8, 2008
PRINCE ANDREW, PRINCESS ANNIE,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR MOTHER. I AM SO SURE THAT YOUR MOTHER WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD OF ALL THAT THE BOTH OF YOU HAVE DONE FOR HER ALL THESE YEARS. I KNOW IT MUST HAVE BEEN HARD FOR YOU TO SEE HER IN THE STATE THAT SHE WAS. NOW ENJOY YOUR LIVES AND BE HAPPY FOR SHE IS AT PEACE.
December 8, 2008
MAY YOU FINALLY REST IN PEACE.
TO THE FAMILY: TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING YOU NOW HAVE A SPECIAL ANGEL TO WATCH OVER YOU.
Gloria Meacham
December 8, 2008
My deepest condolences to you both. May you be lifted in spirit by the things your mom shared with you, and may she
rest in peace.
Gloria Meacham
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Toni DeMaio
December 8, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes to the two wonderful children. Your Mother was always so full of joy and life. May the peace of the Lord be with her.
Katherine Turino
December 8, 2008
I just read the story of your MOM. I do not know any of you, I just wanted to say that she sounds like she was a very heartfelt person. She is even Sunnier now in Heaven.
God Bless you for staying by her all this time.
Lydia Orozco
December 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bailon Family
December 8, 2008
Now she rests and is in a better place.
Tami Bramblett
December 8, 2008
I thank the Lord you have been released from your medical and mortal shackles that have held you for so long. I really had hoped you would have come out of your coma and survive to make the TV circuit or the Miracle of the Decade or Year for so many years. I feel you deserve peace and heavenly restoration more than anyone after your long ordeal! May our Lord hold up your family and loved ones during this time as He must have since the 1980's.
Barbara Rob
December 8, 2008
May God Bless the Family they have been through so much, Peace be with YOU...
A Friend
December 8, 2008
May your soul be finally at rest. My sympathies to the children and family of Sunny.
Daniels Family
December 8, 2008
Our hearts goes out to all who loved Sunny von Bulow. May you all find comfort in your loving memories of her and solace in "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." (2 Cor 1:3,4)
December 8, 2008
May the comforting thought from the Bible book of Revelation, the 21st chapter, verse 4 be of comfort to you. It reads: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I offer my sincere condolences to you all.
alex ray
December 7, 2008
she was a wonderful lady.....!!! all the love that i have to you guys!
Ann Ashlock
December 7, 2008
My condolences to the Family of Sunny von Bulow
A Friend
December 7, 2008
May she be granted the peace that these last 28 years failed to give her. May her children and family remember her with fondness and love. Sunny is now at peace for it is now over.
noland bell
December 7, 2008
Rest well, Sunny,
It's nice to wake up in heaven
JOHN CONLON
December 7, 2008
TO SUNNY'S FAMILY
I MET YOUR MOTHER WHILE I WAS IN NEWPORT ONE SATURDAY BACK IN 1977. I HAD JUST GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL AND SHE WAS EXITING THE GATES FROM HER ESTATE.
WE CHATTED FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR AND WENT OUR WAY. SHE LEFT AN EVERLASTING IMPRESSION ON ME AS SHE WAS A LOVING CARING MOTHER AND WOMAN. I WISH I HAD GOTTEN TO KNOW HER BETTER. THINGS MIGHT HAVE TURNED OUT DIFFERENTLY.
MAY YOUR MEMORIES OF PRE-COMA TIMES BRING YOU JOY AND COMFORT. AND REMEMBER HER AS SHE WAS A VIBRANT LOVING CARING MOTHER AND WOMAN.
RESPECTFULLY
JOHN CONLON
BELLINGHAM, MASS
02019
Jason Ring
December 7, 2008
I hope that you are finally at peace after such a long struggle. May you rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.
Noel Serrano
December 7, 2008
Sunny von Bulow has been in a coma for longer than my career, and yet it is instances like these that have inspired my health care advocacy, my heart goes out to all the loved ones who not only suffered the loss during the coma, but suffer the loss and permanence associated with this final stage of life--death. Remember to celebrate her life and the countless reasons she earned the name Sunny.
donna
December 7, 2008
my sympathy to the children.
finally, finally may she rest in peace, heavenly peace.
December 7, 2008
Rest in Peace. Condolences to the family.
Henryk Zaleski
December 7, 2008
May you now rest in peace.
Mercy Segura
December 7, 2008
I still recall when this hit the news and here she is 28 years later still fighting to live. Unfortunately, no one should have to suffer in that manner. She was obviously a fighter.
May you now Rest in Peace Sunny Von Bulow.
May God Bless you and your loved ones during this time of grief.
Patti Collins
December 6, 2008
To Sunny's children my condolences. Finally your mother is truly at peace. I hope you have all found peace as well.
December 6, 2008
You captured the interest of the world. Rest in peace.
Deb
December 6, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
December 6, 2008
At long last you are receiving peace and grace. I pray for your soul. Donna Boyd, Culpeper, Va.
Buddy Waller
December 6, 2008
My deepest condolences to Sunny's family and friends. She deserved so much better in life than what she had to endure. May those who cherished her remember her from happier times. In this season of peace, give thought to the fact that now she is free of the burdens and afflictions of her final years.
Margaret Bedell
December 6, 2008
I remember this tragedy very well. Most of the country was in awe of all the circumstances involved and particularly saddened about Sunny's young children at the time. I have often, over the years, thought of and prayed for Annie and Alexander and wondered how they were doing and if they were able to get on with their lives. I certainly pray that Sunny can finally rest in peace now and the family can be able to put this all behind them. They deserve to have closure now. God bless all of those who loved and devoted themselves to Sunny. I pray they can summon some happy memories of her and can get on with the rest of their own lives. Peace to you all!!From someone who cared and thought of you all over these many years.
December 6, 2008
May you finally rest in peace, Sunny.
To her Family, God Bless you all.
Bethy B.
SHEILA SMITH
December 6, 2008
Rest in Peace Sunny. Condolences to her family.
J P
December 6, 2008
You will finally be able to rest.
My condolances to the family.
December 6, 2008
To Sunny, Annie & Alexander:
I remember when this all took place - I am saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. She was and always will be a remarkable woman. I will continue to always remember your Mom and the both of you. I will ask my 13 year old angel to welcome your Mom into the Gates of Heaven. My HEART will always be with you all.
I send you all my sincere sympathy.
A Mom of an Angel
D.ZIMMERMAN
December 6, 2008
REST IN PEACE SUNNY VON BULOW
DEE DEE TAYLOR
December 6, 2008
I'm very sorry to have heard about your mother, what a long time to be in a coma, my prayer are with all of you. may god bless you
Catherine
December 6, 2008
My condolences.
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