I knew Pat Dunkelberg as a fellow member of the UU Church, but I got to know her better when the Grasse River Players was putting together a dramatic presentation about the Canton Poorhouse.  The term "Poorhouse" was how these homes for the homeless were referred to throughout most of the United States.

         Pat worked at the County Home in Canton when she was a young woman and she told me that the staff was not allowed to call it a Poorhouse because the social workers, who managed the home, wanted it to feel like a real home for its residents.

         I did several interviews with Pat and I really enjoyed the time I spent with her.  She remembered a lot and she was an excellent story teller. I found her stories about life at the County Home to be very insightful. She understood people and what people need to feel whole.

           She was always very forthcoming and charming. I was anxious for her to see the play. I used a lot of the information that she shared with me in my monologue. And she loved it.

             I am so glad that I got to know her and I was honored to be her friend. I enjoyed teasing her about her clothes because she always wore these gorgeous (but tasteful) outfits to church.

              I know that I would have spent more time with her, but the pandemic kept people apart and it has been hard to bring people back together. 

               When I first met Pat, she was already designated the oldest and longest term member of our church, so I only knew her in her final stage of life. I wish we could have had more years of friendship, but I am grateful to have known her in the time we had.
                                                                                     Karen Wells

Pat was a loyal long-time member of the UU Church.  Her institutional memory and delightful story telling of church friendships and experiences will surely be missed.  David and I remember fondly the pleasure of picking her up for church on Sunday mornings knowing we'd always get an upbeat weekly report of life in the high rise. Pat was a constant who always saw her glass half-full.

Pat’s smile every Sunday across the aisle from us was a highlight of my week. Sending love to family and friends. She will be missed.

I will miss our conversations on Sundays which were always filled with grace, understanding, and most of all...wisdom. Thanks Pat for being part of my life.  Pete Beekman

Garner Funeral Service

Patricia Dunkelberg

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Patricia A Dunkelberg

May 14, 1930 – October 15, 2023

Garner Funeral Service

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