1921 - 2016
Visitation
March 4, 20163:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
March 5, 2016St. John the Evangelist Church, Chelmsford, MA
Frances (Mrs. Walter C.) Dunn, Jr., of Hampton, NH, died after an extended illness on March 1st in Rye, NH. Frances was born to Carroll and Leah Burns Allen on November 9, 1921, in Danielson, CT. She grew up mostly in Danielson, Manchester, NH, and Lowell, MA, graduating from Lowell High School in 1939. She became a Registered Nurse, an alumna of St. Francis Hospital, School of Nursing in Hartford, CT.
Frances joined the USNR Nurse Corps in 1943, concluding her Military Service in 1945 as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. She met and married Walter C. Dunn, Jr., Lieutenant, USNR Air Corps, at NAS Pax River, Patuxent River, MD, on May 7, 1945. They were married for 46 years, until Walter’s death in 1991.
After the war, the Dunns moved to Troy, NY, where Frances resumed her nursing career and Walter received his degree from RPI, beginning a life-long career as an engineer. In 1979, they returned to the greater Lowell area. Frances retired from the VA Memorial Hospital, Bedford, MA, in 1986.
As a Registered Nurse, Frances was the caretaker for generations of family members. She was also the family historian and genealogist.
Frances was member of the Ballykilcline Society, the Dunstable Historical Society, the Chelmsford Genealogy Club, and with her sisters, Carolyn and Natalie, an avid member of the Learning in Retirement Association. In 2004, Frances moved to Alfred, Maine, and became a member of the Friends of Alfred Shaker Museum.
In recent years, Frances lived with her daughter, Patricia, and husband, Charles King in Hampton, NH.
Survivors include Frances and Walter’s children: Mary Lee Dunn Maguire, Alfred, ME; Jane Dunn Millett, Brunswick, ME; Norma Dunn Slattery, Berryville, VA; and Patricia Dunn King (Charles), Hampton, NH. She is survived by six grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Sara Millett (David) Au, Orlando, Florida, and children, Derek and Kathleen; Reilly Millett, Boston, Massachusetts; Aric Slattery, Berryville, Virginia; Daniel Maguire (Clare Tidby), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and daughter Evan Tidby Maguire; Moira Slattery Biwott and daughters Malaika and Leah Frances Biwott, Alexandria, Virginia; Justin Maguire, Salem, Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews.
Frances was predeceased by her sisters: Carolyn (Mrs. John) Fowler, Billerica and Groton; Natalie (Mrs. William) Lavoie, Lowell; Norma (Mrs. Thomas) Quinn, Chelmsford; and Joan (Mrs. Ralph) Markee, Dunstable.
As our beloved mother, Frances leaves a void, sorely missed by all who knew her. Her family gratefully thanks the staff of Webster at Rye for their care and kindnesses to our Mom and our family these recent months.
Visiting hours Friday 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Funeral Saturday at 8:00 AM from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 9:00 AM St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. Donations in Frances’ memory can be made to the Webster at Rye, Rannie Webster Foundation, or the Alfred Shaker Museum’s endowment fund.
Tim & Elaine Langton
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Francis was a bright and engaging woman and we enjoyed talking with her. She was always interested in us and happily shared parts of her life story. Wishing her family comfort and peace as they move forward in learning to live with her absence.
In friendship & Sympathy,
The Langton family
D. Brian Downey
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Trish,
I am so sorry to hear about Frances’ passing. She was a wonderful person. I have so many fond memories of our college days sitting on your back deck, looking at the lake and chatting with your Mom. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a very special person.
Damien and James
Therese O'Donnell
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My condolences Mary Lee. Your mother is so accomplished like you. My best.
Edie Kilgour
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Dear Jane,
David and I send our love and support as you go through this sad time. Please give our condolences to all of your family for the loss of such an outstanding woman.
Love,
Edie
Mark Jacobs
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Sorry for your loss Mary Lee. My condolences.
William Van Twisk
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Jane and Family – Condolences and best wishes from Anne and I. Reading about your mother and family, we can see a lot of your heritage in your person, too. I am sure that meeting your mother would have been very interesting. Your girl children are so fortunate to have your mom’s accomplishments to reflect upon. Take care and we’ll see you soon. –Will Van Twisk, Brunswick, Maine
Donna Barrett ( laundry lady)
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My condolences to the Dunn family. Your mother was a very nice lady, and it showed in all of you. I only had the pleasure of knowing her, and Patricia, for a short time while she was at Webster, but it will not be forgotten. Sending thoughts and prayers, God bless.
Jane Millett
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Donna, thank youSO much…your care was so important to Mom’s comfort! Thanks for the kind words! Jane
Jackie Knowles
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Fran, as I liked to call her, will always have a special place in my heart. I am so thankful that I was able to be a huge role in her life, as her primary caretaker at Webster. Always had me smiling and laughing first thing in the morning, as well as being able to put a smile on her face, no matter how much pain she was in, or how sick she was. We formed a special kind of bond, one that will never be replaced. I also had the pleasures of forming a special bond with her family as well. All of you trusted me to be there for your Mom, and that alone made me stop at nothing to make sure she was well
taken care of. And made sure her room was always clean 🙂 thank you for giving me the opportunity to fall in love with Fran. She is finally able to rest now, and not have to struggle anymore.
Jane Millett
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Jackie, thank you so much for your kind words and outstanding care for our Mom! Yes, many of you became like family to her. It is very comforting to have been with her when she died, talking to her, holding her hand and praying with her. We will miss so many of you wonderful folks at Webster…and the dining room! Families are blessed by your wonderful care of their loved ones. Thank you, Jackie
Jane Millett
Brunswick, ME
mary beth borgwing
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Dearest Trisha, Mary Lee and Jane,
Aunt Frances lives bright in my heart. Wish I could have been there today with you all. There are so many fine memories that I will always cherish; most of all her amazing smile and ability to make you feel special. She has a very unique soul; will keep her advice close to me always. Lars and I send our deepest condolences to you all and your beautiful family.
Love to you all,
Mary Beth & Lars and Family
Rachel MacDonell
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Dear Mary Lee, Daniel & Justin
On behalf of all our family in Canada we extend our sincerest condolences to you on the death of your Mom and grandmother. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you move through mourning this loss.
Rachel & Wayne MacDonell
Jessica Factor
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Jane, my sincere sympathies to you and your family. I’m keeping you all in my thoughts. So very sorry for your loss.