Obituary of Kathryn Marie Dunning

Kathryn (Kay) M. Dunning, 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 22, 2014. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June of 2010 and fought with an abundance of grace and dignity to the very end of her journey. She was an inspiration to so many as she lived each day to the fullest, always had a smile on her face and shared a positive attitude. Despite her diagnosis, she never spoke a word of defeat or displayed frustration. Kay remained positive and compassionate, interested and involved in the lives of others and spread great joy to all of those she touched. Kay was born September 13, 1950 in Bath, NY and was the daughter of Charles and Hazel (Magee) Wilson. Kay was predeceased by her father, Charles Wilson and her life-long friend and former husband, Charles (Beau) Dunning. She is survived by her mother, Hazel Wilson of Bath, NY; her brother, James (Joan) Wilson of Corning, NY; her daughter, Nicole (Bryan) Dickson of Bath, NY; her son, Ryan (Amber) Dunning of Avoca, NY; her son, Nate Northrup of Bath, NY; her life-long friend and father of Nate, Bob Northrup of Bath, NY; her grandchildren, Devyn, Dylan and Deyton Dickson and Masyn and Lainey Dunning; her niece Sue (Steve) Dowdle; her great niece, Thalia Ducot; and her two closest friends, JoAnn Mitchell and Sheri Nobles and we mustn't forget her cat, Pitch. Kay graduated from Haverling High School in 1968 where she was a member of the synchronized swimming team, Concert Choir and participated in many clubs and activities. She attended SUNY Cortland from 1968-1971, majoring in elementary education, where she participated on the Dolphinotes Synchronized Swimming team and was a sister of the Theta chapter of Arethusa Sorority. In June of 1986 she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Elmira College. She was employed by Ingersol/Dresser Rand from 1974 until 2000 where she was a Manufacturing Engineer and then moved into the role of a Tooling Specialist. Kay then worked for Babcock Ladder as a purchasing agent and finally worked with friends and family for Knight Settlement Sand and Gravel, LLC and Dickson Trucking, LLC from 2006 until present, holding numerous roles of importance for both companies. Her dedication, loyalty and great work ethic will be irreplaceable. Kay enjoyed camping, bon fires with friends and family, kayaking on the lake, boating, taking walks, reading novels, spending time at Keuka lake, hiking, motorcycle rides, vacationing, going to the beach and she always took extreme pride in maintaining her yard. Above all, Kay's favorite past time was spending time with her family. She enjoyed get-togethers, parties, sporting events and anything she could do which involved her family members. Kay was a loyal member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bath, NY where she served as a deacon. She was also part of the bell choir for a number of years and cherished the annual Christmas Eve services she attended with her family. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend who always put her family above all else. She was forever supportive, compassionate, selfless, understanding and proud of her children. She will be greatly missed by all. We welcome all friends and family to join us in honoring our beloved, Kay, and celebrating her life. The services have been scheduled for Saturday, May 10 with a calling hour from 3:00–4:00 pm and a Memorial Service following at the First Presbyterian Church in Bath, NY. Upon completion, there will be a celebration of her life at the VFW.