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Jennifer Dunn Obituary
Dunn, a favorite of both Bush White Houses, was Washington state's ranking Republican in Congress when she retired in 2004. She told The Associated Press at the time that she was pursuing a new career and planned to enjoy time with her new husband and baby granddaughter.
She died after developing a blood clot while at her Virginia home, her family said in a statement.
Dunn was known for her work on tax issues, promoting women-owned businesses and sponsoring the Amber Alert bill for locating missing children.
Her son Reagan Dunn, a council member in King County, Wash., called her death "a total shock," adding: "She gave her whole life giving to other people. She touched a lot of lives and did a lot for her country."
Dunn's political career was a series of firsts: first woman to chair the Washington State Republican Party; first freshman woman to win a place in the House Republican leadership team; and the highest ranking Republican woman in the GOP leadership as the vice chairman of the Conference.
Dunn was an influential senior member of the House Republican caucus, serving as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, vice chairwoman of the Homeland Security Committee and a member of the caucus campaign team. She was a frequent spokeswoman for the House, once giving the Republican response to a State of the Union Address by President Clinton. She helped run three Republican national conventions.
"While I never took a pledge on term limits, I do believe that our nation is better served if from time to time we senior members step aside to allow individuals with fresh ideas to challenge the status quo in Congress," she said when she retired.
Bush praised Dunn on her retirement from Congress, calling her "a superb legislator and a strong leader who has stood for the best of Washington State's values and who has improved the lives of its people."
She is survived by her husband, Keith Thomson; sons Bryant Dunn, Reagan Dunn, Angus Thomson; and two grandchildren.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
24 Entries
Kelsey Jamison
November 5, 2008
Charisma, Charm, Grace, Beauty. It is how she lived, and who she was. The name Jennifer Dunn is synonymous with class and dignity, and always will be. Being in her presence was like walking into a warm sunshine, and her smile lit up an auditorium. Jennifer truly cared about others, and was an angel of a human being. The sadness felt over her loss is overwhelming, and I extend my prayers to Jennifer's family. No one will ever hold a candle to Jennifer Dunn, for she was one of a kind.
Sharyn Thimmesch
September 13, 2007
Jennifer Dunn was a very special lady. She did a wonderful job for Washington state. My condolences to her family and friends.
JOHN T. PORTER III
September 12, 2007
WE MET CONGRESSWOMAN JENNIFER DUNN THROUGH NATIONAL REPUBLICAN PARTY ACTIVITIES.... WE LAST MET AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE A FEW YEARS AGO IN WASHINGTON, DURING A SIGINING AGREEMENT CEREMONY BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA, IN WHICH CHINA AGREED TO PURCHASE BOEING AIRCRAFT WITH THE UNDERSTANDING SOME SECTIONS WOULD BE MANUFACTURED IN CHINA... SHE WAS A GREAT PATRIOT, A GREAT REPUBLICAN AND A GREATER EPISCOPALIAN.... SHE WAS ONE OF THE TWELVE PEOPLE ON THE EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE FOR PRESIDENT FOR THEN GOVERNOR GEORGE WALKER BUSH...... SHE EXEMPLIFIED THE FINEST OF WHAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY STANDS FOR.... MAY GODSPEED GO WITH HER AND BLESS HER...
Cheri Marusa
September 12, 2007
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. Grace, Class, Love of
Family, Loyal Friend, Leader - Jennifer will be greatly missed -
she will be forever in our hearts.
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Richard & Kelcie Peterson
September 11, 2007
May God bring comfort to all those that loved and admired her.
Edwin Harper
September 10, 2007
She was a wonderful part of Ronald Reagan's revolution in Washington. She is missed by all.
Ed Harper, President of the Ronald Reagan Alumni Association.
Brent Samodurov
September 7, 2007
I first met Congresswoman Dunn in 1999; she is one of the strongest, toughest, most caring leaders I have known. She introduced me to George W. Bush and taught me many things about life and politics. I am shocked by her untimely death, but grateful for her extraordinary life.
Sandy Meeve
September 6, 2007
What an incredible person, such a role model for all women. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Jack Howard
September 6, 2007
It was my privilege to have served on the Executive Board of the Washington State Republican Central Committee when Jennifer was state party chairman. I am still in awe of her people skills and intelligence, but mostly her ability to be a good friend and a great congressman.
Thank you Jennifer for all you did. Pat and I will miss you.
Nancy Alkire
September 6, 2007
I remember her when I lived in WA state and her values. I thank you for sharing her with the rest of us. God be with you.
Vicky Chapman
September 6, 2007
My sincere condolences to the Dunn family.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
September 6, 2007
Rest in peace and thank you.
Rev. Ronald Talbot
September 6, 2007
May God comfort you during this time of your loss. God Bless,
Kim Weldon
September 6, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Annette Pegues
September 6, 2007
To The Dunn Family
May each of you find comfort in the God of all Comfort during this time.
He promises that the day is coming in which he will wipe away the tears of sorrow from our eyes forever and death will be no more.
Charles Meiser
September 6, 2007
One of the best! Very sorry for your loss.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
September 5, 2007
REST IN PEACE JENNIFER DUNN
Sheila Smith
September 5, 2007
Rest in Peace Jennifer.
Irene c morrison
September 5, 2007
sorry for your loss she is in gods hands may god be with you in your sad time she was a nice lady she is going to be missed
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