It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bunny L. Garst, who peacefully left us in her sleep on May 2, 2025, at her home in Bradenton, FL. Born on February 19, 1933, in New Rochelle, NY, to the late Frances Coleman and Alfred S. Thomas, Bunny embraced a life filled with adventure, creativity, and passion.
As a child, she traveled extensively with her family, living in places such as Temple Terrace, FL as well as Georgetown, Cayman Islands. Her adventurous spirit carried into young adulthood when she became a stewardess for Caribbean International Airways, flying between Cayman, Belize, Jamaica, and Tampa. It was during one such flight that she met and later married Peter Kite Smith in 1953, living with him in New York City and Armonk, NY, before they parted ways in 1972.
Bunny spent many cherished years on Anna Maria Island, FL, where she found joy in walking along the shore and feeding the seagulls she had befriended. A passionate advocate for her community, she was an active member of Save Anna Maria (SAM), playing a crucial role in preventing the construction of the Mega-bridge and championing the island’s natural beauty—especially the untouched serenity of Bean Point. She stood alongside fellow residents to ensure that future generations could continue to experience Bean Point as a peaceful retreat, just as nature intended.
In 1982, she married The Honorable Claflin Garst, Jr., and together they embarked on long journeys to explore nature and hike scenic trails. Bunny’s enthusiasm for life, dedication to all she loved and unwavering passion for animals and the environment touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters, Lori Kite Smith of Bradenton and Tami M. Vaughan (Rick) of Parrish; grandchildren, Nicholas D. Smith, Katie Vaughan, and Ricky Vaughan; great-grandchildren, Nathanael P. Victor Smith and Kiele A.R. Smith, as well as her sister-in-law, Sylvia Coleman, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and three poodles. She is predeceased by her sisters Jan Panton and Hildegard Kehm Reynolds, and her brother Michael P. Coleman.
A celebration of life will be held at Bunny’s home on May 24, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The event will be an open house format, allowing friends and family to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable life she lived.
