Elsa Dunn

Elsa Dunn 83, died December 26, 2014, was born in Kansas City, MO. and spent her early years in a busy household like so many during the Great Depression. Doing whatever they could to keep the family shoe store open she helped her mother cook supper at the back of the store. Floyd Dunn and Elsa were introduced shortly after Floyd's service in WWII. Aunt Minnie had exclaimed, "They are both crazy. Maybe they will talk to each other." She was right, and the conversation continued for more than 64 years. Always helping others Elsa typed Floyd's PhD thesis not once but twice on a small portable typewriter. She served dozens of young women as a leader of Girl Scouts in Champaign, IL. and she read to her children daily when they walked home for lunch during elementary school. Elsa believed in the democratic ideal that an informed electorate will guide a progressive government. Through much of her life she carried in her purse a worn and well-read copy of the Constitution. During several summers in the mid-60's, Elsa drove solo from Illinois to Wyoming to take the kids camping. Garnering more than a few glances, she fearlessly rumbled across the plains in an un-air-conditioned Land Rover with two small children, a load of camping gear and a tow chain just in case. After raising two children, she returned to school to complete her college studies and received her bachelor's degree in 1982. In 1984 she acquired her first Mac computer before the advent of email and the Web. Sharing an interest in travel, Elsa frequently accompanied Floyd to meetings or on sabbatical. In Japan she developed an interest in the language, cuisine and Kokeshi. Over a 30 year period, she amassed a noted collection of the painted wooden dolls. Her love of cooking and food began in their tiny student-staff apartment at the University of Illinois in the 1950's and continued the rest of her life. Like her artwork, food was a language and an expression of her ability and passion. Elsa always maintained a warm home whether living in Great Britain, America or Japan. Moving to Tucson in 1996, they first lived in Catalina Pueblo. Floyd and Elsa were among the first 'class' of Splendido-Tucson members selecting their residence before construction was completed. Floyd and his family appreciate the outstanding care and support that Elsa received during her brief illness from the staff of Splendido, Sonora, Right at Home-Tucson, Northwest Hospital and the hospice team from Casa de la Luz. Floyd and Elsa are members of the WILLED BODY PROGRAM at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. As a whole body donor she will be "be teaching for years to come." Friends are encouraged to make contributions to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona at www.communityfoodbank.com/donate or by calling 520-622-0525.