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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Irene R. Dunn

Irene R. Dunn, 87 of Glen Mills, PA passed away peacefully at home on Friday August 26, 2022.

Born in Latrobe, PA she was the second oldest of six children to late Michael and Mary Horwat.

Irene graduated from St. Xavier’s Academy in Latrobe, PA. During her time at St. Xavier’s, she met the love of her life, Thomas F. Dunn Jr. who attended St. Vincent’s College also in Latrobe, PA. They were married at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica on September 1, 1956.

They moved to Virginia Beach, VA for several years where her husband served in the U.S. Military at Fort Monroe. Irene often reminisced about the great friends and memories at the military base, where she worked.

Tom and Irene settled in Wilmington, DE where Irene was a devoted stay at home mom, while her children were young. When her children reached school age, she became a legal secretary in Wilmington.

Tom and Irene were faithful members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish where their four children attended school.

Irene forged many lifelong friendships especially with dear friends from her summer place in Ocean City Maryland, as well as the Holiday Hills swim club in Wilmington.

Irene will be lovingly remembered by all for her passion for the beach, reading, cooking, solving the NY Times Crossword Puzzle, watching “The View”, and having her iPad on hand playing Words with Friends.

She always had dinner on the table, and such remained the importance of family dinners and gatherings to her children and their families. She was the family matriarch through sharing her wisdom, influence, and ability to love unconditionally.

Irene was beautiful, bright, hardworking, witty and above all an adoring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her most valued treasure in life was family. Her devotion was never ending. Family brought the greatest joy to her and the ones she loved. Irene, or more lovingly known as MomMom, Mimi, Mims and Gigi, never passed up an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, proudly participating in all the milestones.

Irene is predeceased by her parents, Michael and Mary Horwat, Husband Thomas F. Dunn Jr., brother John A. Horwat (the late Charlotte) and James T. Howat (Julie).
She is survived by her four children, Thomas Dunn (Cindy), Sharon Dunn Henry (Joseph M., MD), Kevin Dunn (Goldie) and Renie Dunn Guringo, six grandchildren, Kevin, Morgan (Lauren), Paige, Matthew, Alexis and Tommy, two great grandchildren, Rose and Sophia. She also leaves behind five step grandchildren, Patrick, Erin (Frank), Lisa (Jon), Melissa (Bruce) and Sarah, eight step great grandchildren, Faith, Colin, Kylie, Ben, Olivia, Emily, Sophia and Bruce. She will also be deeply missed by her siblings, Michael (Audrey) Horwat of Port St. Lucie, Fl, Bernadette/Bunny (Doc) Giffin of Latrobe, PA, Richard Horwat of Donegal, PA and many nieces and nephews all whom she adored.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Catholic Charities – Diocese of Wilmington.

Funeral Services

Services will be private.

Condolences

    Julie Horwat lit a candle and writes,
    Irene was such a sweet, caring person. I remember her laugh, and how she’d always say, “Oh my God!” This obituary was lovely; I didn’t get to spend much time with Irene, but I remember how she took such an interest in everybody’s children and grandchildren always inquiring about how they were doing. You could just tell that she truly cared, took an interest. I also know she was one amazing words with friends player… Jim’s favorite opponent. May she Rest In Peace with the family that preceded her, and I hope there’s plenty of butter in heaven for her and her brother Jim.
    08/31/2022 03:35 pm
    Debi lit a candle and writes,
    Beautiful Obituary for a beautiful lady. May you rest in peace and may your family find comfort in knowing they have another angel watching over them.
    08/31/2022 04:03 pm
    Kathryn Jones Evans lit a candle and writes,
    From our family to you Sharon and all brothers and sister so sorry for your loss praying for all of you . You are so blessed to have a wonderful friend and mother .
    08/31/2022 05:35 pm
    Margie Boucher writes,
    Such a beautiful obituary written that truly told Irene’s life story. I enjoyed all our games we played on Words With Friends. Irene was ready to play anytime. She will truly be missed by her loving family but I’m sure they have many wonderful memories to last for a lifetime. Rest In Peace Irene. Love and hugs to all of you.
    08/31/2022 07:59 pm
    Dolores Dallura lit a candle and writes,
    Irene was a wonderful neighbor in Glen Mills. I remember meeting her before I moved in and she was so gracious. I will truly miss her and I am very sorry for your loss. It was a tribute to her and her family to see so many family members here so often. Dee. #58.
    09/01/2022 03:58 pm
    Diane Donovan Henry lit a candle and writes,
    I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a beautiful, kind woman. I will remember her fondly. Prayers for you all.
    09/02/2022 08:43 am
    Lynne and Charles Henry lit a candle and writes,
    Our deepest sympathy to all the Dunn family at the loss of their wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
    09/02/2022 02:47 pm
    Page Spiller lit a candle and writes,
    So so sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad will always have a place in my heart. When I had the chance to see your mom a couple of years ago, your mom was exactly like she was when I was little. I have such wonderful memories of being with your family. Sending love and hugs Page and Josie
    09/02/2022 08:58 pm
    Paul & Lindsey Hockin lit a candle and writes,
    Mr Dunn, Goldie, Pat, Kevin, Erin and Family, So sorry for your loss. Mom mom was such a beautiful person and I know will be missed greatly. Thinking of you all. Sending our love, Paul, Lindsey and family.
    09/03/2022 07:50 am

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