Mary Dunn, age 71, West Des Moines, passed away on April 15, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born May 17, 1951, the daughter of Melvin “Joe” and Marjorie Clare Durgin. She was a graduate of Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, and had worked as a registered nurse for UnityPoint At Home in Des Moines for many years.
She was married to Gerald “Jerry” Dunn in 1973 and they had one child, Jennifer Lee Dunn.
Throughout her life, Mary was a dedicated caregiver. After losing her mother, husband and daughter, Mary cared for her younger brother, Michael, in her home. She also bonded with one of her patients, named Sissy, for whom she was a caregiver for many years. In her heart, her patient Sissy became like a granddaughter. Mary carried pictures and told stories to her family about her darling little patient. Sissy was able to be by Mary’s bedside on her last day, humming her a song.
Mary’s hobbies included family history, a trait she shared with her mother Marjorie, as well as learning about history, science and health. She preferred these educational pursuits over movies or television shows.
Preceding her in death are her parents, husband Jerry and daughter Jennifer, as well as her brothers Tom Durgin and Robert Durgin. Mary is survived by her brothers Michael Durgin and David Durgin, nephews, nieces, and many cousins in Kansas who she considered close family.
Graveside services will be held May 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ozawkie Cemetery, near Ozawkie, Kansas. Sissy chose the beautiful butterfly urn for Mary, and she will be laid to rest near her daughter, husband and grandparents. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
