Patricia Dunning

Patricia Dunning was a natural caregiver, whose kind heart and thoughtful care brought comfort to countless patients over the years. Although you might not guess it to look at her, this woman who measured less than five feet tall had a strong and feisty nature. All her life, she stood up for what she believed in – for her patients, her friends, and most of all, her family. A proud and devoted mother and grandmother, Pat was never happier than when surrounded by her beloved family.

Patricia was born on May 7, 1935, to proud parents James and Mildred Clark. Pat was the youngest child, and looked up to her older brother, Lewis. The Clark family lived in Vicksburg, Michigan, where Pat lived the life of a typical small-town girl. James and Mildred both had a strong faith, a faith which they passed on to their children. Pat would carry this faith with her throughout her entire life, guiding her actions and comforting her in times of need.

After Pat graduated from high school, she went on to beauty school and earned her cosmetology license. This was only the beginning of Pat’s higher education, however! Pat had a passion for learning, and took many classes over the years. One area of particular interest for her was nursing, and for a time she attended the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing.

In the early 1960s, Pat married Harold Dunning. In addition to a husband, Pat also got four stepsons in the bargain! In the years to come, Pat and Harold were also blessed with two sons of their own, whom they named Shawn and Timothy. Her sons kept her on the run, with up to four boys living in the house at once. Pat was a caring and thoughtful mother, who supported her children in all their activities.

Pat enjoyed caring for others, and she pursued caretaking as a career. She used her nursing skills to care for the elderly, and for many years cared for elderly patients in her own home.

Sadly, Harold passed away in 1979, leaving Pat on her own. Although Pat faced some health issues around this time, including hearing loss and multiple sclerosis, she remained strong. Even after the multiple sclerosis forced her to use a walker, Pat still walked a mile a day, rain or shine. The doctors said she had to use a wheelchair, but they didn’t know Pat! Whatever challenges she may have had physically, she more than made up for with perseverance and mental fortitude.

About a year ago, health reasons led Pat to move to Heartland Greenview. She was a proud mother and grandmother, and in the final years of her life her greatest joy was, as it always had been, her family.

Friendly, caring, and feisty, Patricia was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a dedicated caregiver, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Patricia May Dunning died on August 16, 2012, at the age of 77. Pat’s family includes her sons, Shawn (Tabatha) Dunning and Tim (Denise) Dunning; her stepsons, Doug and Pat (Laurie) Dunning; her grandchildren, Austen, Brayden, Cory, Dakota, Ashley, Brittney, Mike, Sienna, Sarah and Joshua; her brother, Lewis (Norma) Clark; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold.

Friends may visit with her family from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1697), where a funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to World Vision or Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS). Please visit Patricia’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.