Lillian Groothuis-Dunn

Lillian C. Groothuis-Dunn, 80, longtime Anchorage resident, died Dec. 6, 2010, in Anchorage.

She requested that no funeral be held.

She was born April 30, 1930, in Manhattan, N.Y., and moved to Anchorage in 1955, after marrying Harold Groothuis. Harold rose in the ranks of Laborers' Union 341, becoming president and later treasurer.

Lillian was a loyal mother and wife, entertaining many guests and being involved in local charities. She was an award-winning photographer and published author. Harold Groothuis was killed in a plane accident at Point Barrow in 1968, while serving on the Alaska Labor Commission. She raised one young son after Harold's death and financially supported him through college. Lillian worked for the Municipality of Anchorage until her retirement in 1986.

In 1992, Lillian married Floyd Dunn, who was a devoted husband and provider, working for Alaska Sales and Service before his retirement. They enjoyed ballroom dancing, gardening, reading, visiting friends and eating at restaurants.

Lillian was a very friendly, cheerful and kind person, who never forgot to send cards for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. She was also a loyal letter writer and stayed in close contact with many friends and relatives. She was known for her sense of humor and politeness. Lillian was concerned about fairness, and often wrote letters to the editor to express her concerns. She appreciated great art, visiting museums and collecting art books and displaying reprints of paintings in her home. She retained a lifelong love of children, who found in her a warm, fun and welcoming presence.

Despite the loss of her first husband at a young age and the pain and disability she experienced as a result of back problems in her later years, Lillian never stopped trusting God. She prayed for many people and encouraged them to do likewise. Lillian was loved and supported by her husband as well as by several neighbors until the end.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd Dunn of Anchorage; and her son, Douglas Groothuis, of Denver, Colo.

Evergreen Memorial Chapel was in charge of her burial in Anchorage; www.janssenfuneralhomes.com.