Kay Dunne

1930 - 2016

Kay Van Vliet Dunne

August 19, 1930 - March 10, 2016

Kay Van Vliet Dunne, 85, of Burlingame, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 10, 2016. She was the daughter of Roy and Bertha Louise "J" Van Vliet of San Francisco. Kay considered herself a San Franciscan, though she was born in Santa Monica, "by mistake" to her telling, where the family lived for a few years before returning to San Francisco. She was Lowell High School Class of 1948, and then attended Mills College before graduating from Stanford University in 1952 with a degree in History. Kay married Peter Francis Dunne, III (despite his being a Cal graduate) in San Francisco in 1961. They moved their home to Burlingame in 1966.

Kay's first love and devotion was to her family, followed closely by her beloved circle of dear friends. Kay was a traveler at heart, stemming from a trip around the world with her parents as a young woman. She was always planning that next trip with Peter. Kay was very proud of the interior decorating business she started and ran for 40+ years. Clients from San Francisco to Denmark enjoyed her discerning eye, classic style and warm friendship. She also inherited a keen sense for real estate from her father, where she was a respected deal maker and property owner. Though Kay would never describe herself as an "athlete," she enjoyed skiing at Sugar Bowl after college, playing tennis, and golfing with Peter. She loved to walk, and especially enjoyed time near the water with good friends in Lake Tahoe, Stinson Beach and Aptos. Kay always found time to volunteer for various organizations, including the Spinsters of San Francisco, Edgewood Auxiliary, ARCS, and the Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. She was also a supporter of the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Cancer Center and a Patron of the San Francisco Cotillion.

Kay is survived by her husband Peter; their three children: Elizabeth "Betsy" (Jack Bellotti), Peter (Debbie) and Samantha; and her grandson Ian MacArthur Dunne. She was predeceased by her sister, Lyn Van Vliet Bowe. Kay also gives grateful thanks to long-time housekeeper and good friend, Paca Trujillo.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to The Thacher School in Ojai, CA or Crystal Springs School in Hillsborough, CA.