Kathleen M. “Grammie” Dunn passed away on Tuesday June 21, 2016. Although remaining strong— even to the end— she passed away peacefully in mid-morning within the Harrogate Health Center after a battle with COPD. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Dunn and survived by her daughter Candice Hammond, son-in-law Jack Hammond, Son Bob Dunn and daughter-in-law Nancy Dunn, who are filled with great love and admiration, even after her passing. Her eternal legacy lives on with her grandchildren: Sean and Katie Hammond, and Zach and Matt Dunn, whose young lives have been blessed with the gifts of her wisdom, strength, and deep kindness.

In her, we could all see the depth and beauty of a human life. Kathleen Dunn was always patient and kind-hearted— the finest of God’s creations. In her laughter, you saw the enjoyment of the pleasures of life. In her smile, you could always remember that she would be there to listen. And in her ever-lasting strength, you were reminded of how great a human being could be when they were as pure as “Grammie”. In the depths of her emotions, she adored her children, in-laws, and grandchildren— and often remembered those who had passed, such as her husband Robert Dunn, who had passed years earlier. She never forgot what was important to her, making sure to say her goodbyes to her family in her own way before her passing.

There were many big things that made Kathleen Dunn great— things that all of us could see. She was imbued with warmth, her compassion, and a love of life. She believed in her religion fervently, and was always concerned for the wellbeing and health of her family and friends. There were great small things that made her special. She loved Jack Hammond’s seafood and a good movie once and a while. She watched crime-tv shows and had a sweet-tooth for candies. She loved a warm slice of pie and a cup of black coffee. And, let me tell you, she could cook pancakes that the whole family loved. These might be small details, but there is a great VIBRANCY of life and complexity to every action she made.

We will not forget Kathleen “Grammie” Dunn, for she touched our lives in more ways than one. She was the central anchor that held us together— and the maestro of the chorus that was her family.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mark’s Church, 215 Crescent Parkway, Sea Girt, at 9:30am on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Mausoleum Entombment will follow at St. Catharine’s Cemetery. For more information, visit www.OBrienFuneralHome.com.

“We need to be reminded sometimes that a sunrise last but a few minutes. But its beauty can burn in our hearts eternally.” ― R.A. Salvatore