Mary Kay Dunn's Obituary
Mary Kay Dunn (nee Robertson) passed away on January 7, 2022 at her home of 60 years surrounded by her family that she raised and nurtured there, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 86.
Mary Kay was born on September 5, 1935 in Buffalo, New York to Isabelle and Lawrence Robertson. She was a proud graduate of Mount Mercy Academy and D'Youville College where she made many life-long friends. She always loved reminding her grandchildren that she finished third in her Math class and they loved reminding her that there were only three in the class. She was the Sunshine of the life of her late husband, James Dunn, who she married in 1959. Together, they moved to Syracuse where they raised their large family. She was a "people person" and she was blessed with many enduring friendships over her 86 years of life. She treasured them all. She made sure her friends knew how important they were to her through her many thoughtful expressions of caring.
Mary Kay's kindness and her faith-filled life are inspirational. She generously shared her time and talents with many organizations including St. Margaret's Parish in Mattydale, where she was a devout communicant, Eucharistic Minister, President of the Altar Rosary Society, co-manager with Jim of the first ever Bingo team, and school volunteer. She also volunteered at the Francis House and at the fundraising events that her children organized.
Mary was a life -long jewel to every member of her family and she will forever be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to them. She always made sure (as the song goes), "Life 's a Holiday on Primrose Lane."
In addition to her parents and her adoring husband, she was pre-deceased by her brother, James Robertson. She is survived by her children Mark L Dunn, Maureen (Joseph) McGlynn, Sr. Suzanne Dunn, OSF, Patricia (Rodney) Mayette, Moira Grimes and Thomas J. (Stephanie) Dunn.
Mary's gentle and nurturing soul will forever be missed by her grandchildren, Patrick, Maire-Kate and James McGlynn, Jack and Erika Mayette, Brianna Grimes and Liam and Carson Dunn.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends that were like family to her.
"Grammy" could always be found in the first row of bleachers supporting her grandchildren at their various basketball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and soccer games as well as Irish dancing events and band concerts and numerous academic ceremonies. She was, and will continue to be, a ray of Sunshine in their lives and she was so proud of the individuals they have become.
Mary Kay was so very appreciative of all the prayers, flowers, cards, phone calls, visits and other kind gestures from family and friends. Special gratitude to Lacey, Katelin and the Hospice volunteers for their compassionate care of Mom.
A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Mary Kay's life will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. in St. Margaret's Church in Mattydale. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road (corner of Buckley Road) in North Syracuse.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Margaret's Food Pantry (203 Roxboro Road, Mattydale 13211), the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities (235 Greenfield Pkwy., Suite 208, Liverpool, NY 13088), or the CBA Sr. Suzanne Dunn, OSF Endowed Scholarship Fund providing scholarships to those who cannot afford a Catholic education (6245 Randall Road, Syracuse 13214).
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