Former Mayor Mary Louise Bunker Celebrates 100 Years

By Glenn Barnett

It is hard to imagine that Mary Louise Bunker, a former Alhambra mayor, was born in 1923 in a log cabin. In her early years, her family used a well for water. There was no electricity or gas, so the little structure was heated in a woodburning stove.

Mary’s life changed when she was in the fourth grade, and her father got a job as a policeman in the City of Alhambra. She enrolled at Garfield School and later Granada while her father worked his way up the ranks to become Chief of Police.

She would marry the love of her life, Earl Bunker, a graduate of Cal Tech who served in the Signal Corps in World War II. After the war, he and a few Army buddies happened to lay the groundwork for the invention and practical use of the cell phone.

Meanwhile, Mary Louise Bunker became a registered dietitian. She was active with the YMCA and the Alhambra School Board and sat on both boards.

In 1982, she was approached about running for City Council and would become only our third woman Mayor. As Mayor, she was instrumental in securing the city’s finances by bringing Costco, Home Depot, and the Auto Row on Main St., all of which still contribute tax money for local amenities.

Her time on the City Council also saw the establishment of the Alhambra Historical Society and the naming of a sister city in Taiwan, which eased the inclusion of the growing number of Taiwanese businesses into the city’s fabric. Also on her watch was the creation of Almansor Court, the premier location for organizations to meet for luncheons, dinners, and other social gatherings.

Mary Louise celebrated her 100th birthday just last year, and 200 people attended to wish her well. When interviewed for this article, she was sharp as a tack.

Thank you for sharing your storied life and for your service to Alhambra —the city is better off for your having been here.

Happy birthday, Mary Louise!