Rebecca L. Bounds

1943 - 2015

COLRAIN - Rebecca L. Bounds, age 72, was born in Bremerton, Washington State on October 8th, 1943 to James and Elizabeth Bounds. She had the advantage of living in the Middle East and Canada because her father was a well-regarded petroleum engineer.
She completed her English education in Toronto at a young women's preparatory school followed by study at McGill University. Her father was transferred to Los Angeles where she enrolled in UCLA and received her BA.
She graduated in 1986 and moved to New York City where she eventually received a degree in social work from New York University, and was assigned to work in difficult neighborhoods. She had the fulfillment of helping young people to see a better life for themselves.
She went on to work at a computer consulting firm.
Once in Colrain, she became associated with Historic-Deerfield eventually becoming an assistant to the ceramics curator. She had considerable knowledge about antiques and loved working with her colleagues. They responded strongly to her positive and generous presence becoming close friends.
She met her husband to be, Steven Warnecke, 76, in Manhattan. They formed an immediate bond that never wavered, only growing stronger and more complete. After their marriage they lived in New York City for many years
Once Rebecca was placed on dialysis, they knew a better environment was necessary for her to continue her treatment. They found that Colrain and Franklin Hospital were ideal. Over time they met many kind neighbors and appreciated their friendship and very good values and beliefs.
Rebecca touched many friends' lives with her empathy, warmth, generosity and understanding, remarkable qualities with which she was blessed. They grew stronger even after she developed chronic kidney disease. With great courage she would labor for the next twenty-five years with this increasingly severe illness. She still had a warm smile and open-arms to embrace her friends. She continued her work at Historic Deerfield.
Rebecca is survived by husband, Steven Warnecke and her cousins Jann Heffner, Grayson Heffner and Kevin Osterkamp.
To send a message of condolence, please visit: smithkelleherfuneralhome.com.