Kennebunk, ME
“Pat, “Pattie” Merrill Dunn passed away on May 2, 2017, in Kennebunk, Maine. Pat was 96 years old and lived a long life filled with love. Pat was born in Boston, MA on January 29, 1921. She was the daughter of Charles L. Merrill and Hazel Harvey Merrill. She had one brother, Charles A. Merrill Jr. who passed in 2009.
Pat is lovingly remembered by her immediate and extended family. Her husband, Paul Dunn Sr. passed away at the age of 82 in 1997. Her son, Paul Dunn Jr. passed away at the age of 62. Paul Dunn Jr. is survived by his long term friend and partner, Eduardo Clarke. Her oldest daughter Debbie lives nearby and cared thoughtfully for Pat for over a dozen years. Her second daughter, Trish Enticknap lives in West Virginia with her partner Dianne Cecile Frazier. Her second son Peter Dunn is married to Zora and lives in Indianapolis, IN. Both Trish and Peter visited regularly every year. Pat also had several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Trish Enticknap is the mother of two boys Steven and Michael Enticknap. Steven has two children Chloe and Spencer. Peter and Zora Dunn have two children, Lillian and Alexander. Pat was able to spend time with all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren during the 2016 holiday season. In addition, Pat stayed close to the children and grandchildren of her brother Charles and his wife Elizabeth Merrill. These include Susan (and her husband Thomas) Lonsdale, Chris Merrill and Andy Merrill.
Pat grew up in Belmont, MA where Pat started first grade and eventually graduated from Belmont High School. Pat was active in scouting and her proudest childhood achievement was being a “Worthy Advisor” in Rainbow (junior version of Eastern Star.) After graduating from high school she attended Lasell Junior College. Pat was a vivacious and attractive young woman, who liked fashion and was working in retail when she met Paul Dunn on a blind date in Boston. They were engaged within 8 weeks of meeting each other.
Pat married Paul Roop Dunn shortly after his appointment as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Navy before he went overseas. Before the war, Paul had been in the real estate department of the Shawmut Bank in Boston. After the war, he went with Equitable Life Insurance and he and Pat lived in Lexington, MA. Feeling called to the Ministry, Paul went to Andover Newton Theological School where he became the Vice President for Development. Later in life Paul became the Vice President for Development at Sweetser Children’s Home in Saco, Maine. Both institutions grew significantly with the funds raised by Paul. Pat supported Paul throughout his career and was an important part of Paul’s achievements. Pat had been married to Paul Dunn Sr. for over 50 years when he passed away 20 years ago at the age of 82. Paul was always with Pat in spirit.
After marrying Paul, Pat lived on the West Coast while Paul fought in the South Pacific, returning as a Lieutenant Commander. After the war, they moved to Lexington MA, where they were active members of Hancock Congregational Church. During that time Pat was the President of the Evening Study Group. Pat was also on the board of Florence Crittenton organization in Lexington. Over time, they also lived in Newton and Carlisle MA. During that time Pat was a school secretary. Pat’s outgoing and warm personality won the trust of all those she spent time with at work, church and in her active social life.
Later in life they moved to Kennebunkport, Maine. After they moved to West Street in Kennebunkport, Maine, Pat worked for Moshimer’s Hooked Rug Studio in Kennebunkport, Maine. During this time Pat created (with Paul’s help) Merrill’s of Maine, a business that made and sold wooden knitting needles to knitting shops. Merrill’s of Maine provided an outlet for Pat’s outgoing nature, creative gifts and entrepreneurial spirit. The business ended up with hundreds of customers across the United States and Canada.
When they moved to Maine, Pat and Paul became active members of South Congregational Church, in Kennebunkport, Maine. This church has been an important part of Pat and Paul’s lives, and their children’s lives for many years.
For over 60 years, they spent part of every summer at their house on Drakes Island, Maine. Drakes Island was always a source of rejuvenation, friendship and joy for Pat and Paul. Drakes Island has also been an important place for all of Pat and Paul’s children, as they continue to visit there every year.
Pat and Paul also spent many winters in Vero Beach, Florida. They were active members of the Community Church of Vero Beach and were grateful for the church there as a source of inspiration and community.
When Pat and Paul became older and needed more support, they moved into Huntington Common. Pat lived there for the last 12 years. Huntington Common was a special home for Pat. The staff provided extraordinary care, love and support and became a second family for Pat. This sense of warmth and being in a caring community came from all areas of Huntington including the administration, housekeeping, nursing, kitchen, dining room and more.
Pat was an active member of the Huntington Community. She served two terms as the President of the residents association. She served as the official greeter when she was the living at the Bradford House. She was an active bridge player and loved the fun of playing and companionship.
One of Pat’s special gifts was the genuine interest that she took in all of those that she touched.
Pat loved and supported her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated mother and considered her family to be her most important achievement. Pat stayed in touch regularly with her children and grandchildren during their visits to Maine and also with many supportive calls, cards and letters.
Pat had close friends from each place where she lived. She regularly visited with friends, called friends and attended important gatherings. She was also an active correspondent.
Pat also had many close friendships over the years with the residents and staff at Huntington Common. She went out of her way to learn about each person she knew. She provided comfort and support in any way she could. Her warmth and positive attitude were infectious. The close connections she made with the other residents and staff at Huntington also enriched her life. This community became an extended family for Pat that she loved and cherished. She was deeply appreciated by those around her and will be missed.
Pat had a deep faith. She left this world ready for the next step on the journey.
A Memorial Service will be held on June 16, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. in the dining room at Huntington Common located at 1 Huntington Common Dr, Kennebunk, ME 04043. The service is being held at Huntington because Patty wanted to make sure to include all those she knew and loved at Huntington. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to South Congregational Church UCC, PO Box 414, 2 North Street, Kennebunkport, Maine, 04046 (207) 967-2793.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Patricia’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME.