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Ann Dunn Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ann Dunn
Sponsored by Jimmy Sullivan.
lora cruse
September 17, 2013
to any of miss dunns students who may have a copy of her 1994 production of joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat please contact me as that video that ive lost means everything to me and brings my memories of ann closer to my heart. thank you
lora cruse
September 17, 2013
I have had mrs. dunn on my mind and have found this site. to all of her beloved family please know that she changed my life with her strong encouragement and guidance. a place in my soul of the dramatic arts will always belong to ann dunn.
Jimmy Sullivan
March 7, 2006
Hello Ann,
Just wanted to let you know - I'm finally doing it again - acting/singing - you've inspired me so that I'm trying it again. Guess what show we are doing - my 12 year anniversary: Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Playing the same part - Benjamin. I hope your watching and excited. Miss you much.
BILL Esbrook
February 21, 2006
Hard to believe it has been just over a year since Ann passed away. I still think of her often. I hope all is well with the rising stars and with all of you
Bill Esbrook
December 2, 2005
Still Thinking of you Anne. You are greatly missed
Colleen Houlihan
August 3, 2005
Dear Dunn Family,
My name is Colleen and i would like to send my deepest sympathy to u and your family. I will always remember how Ann always had a smile on her face. I will always remember Ann.
my deepest sympathy,
Colleen Houlihan
Carol (Leipzig) Kelly
March 7, 2005
It was such a joy for me to be communicating with Ann again after almost 25 years. Thanks to Classmates.com we were able to get in touch with each other.
I thanked her for being a great influence on my musical life. She gave me the courage to stand in front of a crowd and sing a solo. I now have sung in front of 40K + people and its all because of Ann Dunn. Thank you for teaching me to breath right, articulate right and just to sing like no one was listening.
When we sing the Hallelujah chorus at church I always think of you.
To those who were fortunate to work with her after graduation from Portage, I envy you all.
She was a great lady with a great love for kids and music.
We will miss you !!
Portage Park, Class of 1971, Teachers (Miss Dunn, far right)
Dian Chapman (Fontaine, Class of 1971)
February 20, 2005
Dear Miss Dunn...So many people will remember you for your music. Yes, you were a very talented and caring music teacher. However, I, personally, have to thank you for being an enthusiastic and encouraging English teacher. I was never very musical. Now, as a technical writer/editor, I am so appreciative for the fact that you pounded those rules into our heads. You made learning fun! When I moved on to HS, I was amazed that the other English students did not know as much as I knew. You prepared us well! So, for that...I thank you. I am so glad that I was able to meet up with you later in life to convey this fact. You left us much too soon. You will be missed by many, but forever appreciated and remembered by even more. Rest in Peace, Miss Dunn...you certainly earned the right.
Gary Graf
February 19, 2005
Anyone who knew Ann Dunn knows that the person she was cannot be put into words. We will all miss her drive, her compassion, and her company. (G. Graf Portage Park class of 73)
Stacy Chesney
February 18, 2005
Even though I wasn't very musically talented back then, I loved going to music class and having fun in Ms. Dunn's class. Every year I looked forward to her concerts...everything was so creative and wonderful to watch. I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy 7 wonderful years with her.
cindy mayer
February 17, 2005
To the family of Miss Ann Dunn,
I learned,only yesterday,of Miss Dunn's passing.It is the saddest of news that I can recall.Who will mold the future now that she is gone?No doubt,there will be no substitute for her wonderfulness.Thank you,Miss Dunn,for making me proud to be your student. xo Cindy Radom,Class of 1971.
Ray and Karin DeMarco
February 11, 2005
It was during intermission of a musical show, Camelot, that I was performing at the Prairie Center Of The Arts in Schaumburg, IL. that I met Ann, or rather, Ann met me. Here I was, slumped down, so tired and bombed out from the show, sitting on a sofa in the foyer of the theatre when Ann and two of her lady friends came up to me. Ann introduced herself to me and asked me if I wanted to perform the drums for her up coming musical production (the '90's version) of Nunsense. I, of course, said "sure", trying to keep from yawning because I was so tired. (When I realized the unwanted "first impression" I gave to her, I felt like two cents and I called her back and apologized for it, but she told me "don't worry, I understand". And that began my tenure with Ann Dunn and the Rising Stars. Ann, to me, Was the Rising Star. Every opening night before we would strike up the show with our (myself, Ann, Dave, Jon, Clare and a host of other musicians) Opening Number, Ann would always look at us and say, "well, here we go", and no matter what, the show went on, and on, and on. During the shows, Ann and I would look at each other either laughing at the antics on the stage or hoping that we all kept the beat. Admittingly, though, there were times that we (Da Band) wanted to "jam out" too, but, Ann kept us in order, until the Finale where we all had our fun. And now as we drop the final curtain to the many encores of Ann's life, I know that, to us that loved her and felt deeply touched by her kind and caring ways, she will celebrate in heaven, with a full orchestra of angels, her greatest accomplishment, Ann Dunn's Opus.
Linda Elam
February 10, 2005
I can only imagine the collective sigh of sadness echoing throughout the multitudes of friends, students, coworkers and family at the loss of such a truly remarkable lady. I've never felt so proud to be a member of something so important- Ann Dunn's chorus. Standing in the foyer of City Hall. Or joining the Hallelujah Chorus, just one more time. Or piling into her car for another Blue and Gold dinner performance. Thank you, great lady, for allowing me the stage for my ten minutes of fame. And thank you for the eternity of song, grace, patience and dedication that will forever touch our lives. Linda (Benegas) Elam, Portage Park Class of 1979.
Lisa Hall
February 9, 2005
To the family of Ann Dunn I extend my deepest sympathies. Ann was truly my inspiration in becoming a choir director and I wrote her a letter when I graduated from college to let her know. All those years in explorer post 2982! Happy Days was on Tuesday nights, but we would come anyway, because she made it such fun. She would drive us home and we would sit and chat for hours. She never tired of hearing what was going on in our lives and sharing her wisdom and gentle advice. Her connection to kids was real and we all knew it. Her patience with that piano in the basement at Our Saviour English Lutheran Church was an example of her refusal to let anything get her down. It was out of tune and middle C wouldn't go down and middle D didn't make a sound. Instead of complaining, she just taught us pianists to work around it and the life lesson there was not lost.
We have countless memories of performances at Portage Park School which, I'm sure, remain unequaled to this day. As many have mentioned, singing the Hallelujah Chorus with hundreds gathered together is something we will all remember forever. She first handed me the music for the Hallelujah Chorus when I was in fifth grade. By sixth grade, I was playing it with the choir. She gave me the challenge and helped me rise to it. Her inspiration will always ring in my music and will hopefully touch the lives of my students at Smyser School, where I am following in her footsteps as a music teacher and choir director.
Explorer Post 2982 eventually evolved into the Rising Stars Theater Group and Ann continued to touch more lives with her gift of theater. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of having my daughter work under Ann's direction during the show Mame. What a thrill it was to watch her work her magic with another generation. My daughter loved her, too.
To Ann, rest in peace, my friend. Your battles here are over, although it was too soon.
You will be thought of with sadness for a while, but before long, we will all again be remembering the funny stories, the laughs and the best of times we shared. We will meet again. And I'm sure you'll be in charge up there. Work with that tenor angel, will you? I knew you'd hear it.
With love from the Hall family.
Lisa Hall, Portage Park Class of 77
Brian Howard
February 8, 2005
It is with deepest sympathy that MS. Dunn has passed. She has touched so many lives. I new Ann through The Rising Stars, I helped out with the lights for GodSpell and some how she convinced me that I could sing. I went on to meet a lot of interesting people and the experience had changed my life.
Ann will be forever remembered.
Delia Castrejon
February 7, 2005
I am truly sad about the passing of ms.dunn, she was a beloved and dedicated teacher, and i have yet to met someone who can bring such excitement to what they do. She always taught us to go the extra mile, and believed that we had yet to achieve our full potential. I will forever remember her as one of the first people who inspired me to love music in the way that i do now. She may have passed on physically but she will always live in my heart
Castejon Family
February 5, 2005
Miss Dunn was the best thing to happen to portage park, when she retired, we were sad, since than portage park school has not been the same. She was the best music teacher ever, she tought us, and we had fun. We will never forget her, and will forever miss her.
Rena Ahmed
February 5, 2005
I came to know Ann through the Rising Stars. I have worked with a lot of theater companies and I can truly say the Rising Stars are the most welcoming and kind people out there. They really are like a second family. It can only be attributed to Ann Dunn. She led the company with a kind heart and a love for what she did. She will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Laura
February 4, 2005
It was stunning to hear about Ann. We will miss her a great deal. I thought of her as George Bailey, from the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." It's amazing how one life can affect so many, but this was Ann. In her way to short life, she positively touched an amazing number of people. There is an empty place in the theatre but in heaven someone is getting a standing ovation for a life well lived.
Melissa Williams
February 4, 2005
I attended Portage Park School from kindergarden thru 8th grade and was lucky enough to have Miss Dunn first as my music teacher and then as director while in chorus and ensamble. From the very first Spring Concert I saw in kindergarden, all I remember is wanting to be in chorus. My three years in chorus and ensamble are some of the best memories I have from grammer school and carry them with me forever. There was no greater feeling then being able to be part of the Hallejuah chorus at the end of the show. Miss Dunn was a wonderful person and inspired all of us to perform the best we could. She will be greatly missed.
Michele (Miller) Monaco
February 4, 2005
It is with great sadness to hear of Miss Dunn's passing. From Portage Park to The Rising Stars I had the pleasure of knowing her as a mentor, a friend, and even a "second mom". Ann was like a second mom to so many people and her passion for music will live on in all of us. Ann, you will be missed. I will always remember the many songs that I learned from you and I will teach them to my little girls and think of you each time that I do.
Patty (Hoberg) Jacobson
February 4, 2005
I'm so sorry to hear of Miss Dunn's passing. She was an amazing woman. I was a chorus member and also lucky enough to have her as my eighth grade teacher. Whether in class or in chorus, she always encouraged us to strive for excellence. She gave me a strong appreciation for the arts as well as the ability to diagram a sentence! Thank you for everything, Miss Dunn, you will be missed.
Linda (Lobaza) Both
February 4, 2005
Dear Ann, I haven't seen her in years but remeber our school days at ST Roberts. We were a close group and spent a lot of free time dancing in all of our basements. May God welcome her with open arms. I have no doubt he will.
Linda Both (Lobaza)
Elizabeth Bockhol
February 4, 2005
Ann was truly an amazing woman and teacher!!
She gave us the inspiration and confidence to express ourselves through song and dance.
She was such a patient woman with us children (when we were and so many of us at that), and always so passionate about teaching us music.
To this day, I still find myself singing show tunes. And think of her and all the amazing productions she put on each year."Godspell" and "Hello Dolly"
One I am most fond of is the hallelujah chorus where not only the 100 piece choir would sing, but the entire full capacity auditorium would rise to their feet and sing with us.That was truly an amazing thing to see and hear! she had to be very proud of each and every year she taught at Portage.
I am proud to have met her and happy to say she will always have a place in my heart.She truly will be missed.
Theres one more angel in heaven.
Sandra Horvath-Escalona
February 4, 2005
When I heard about this devastating news I was only reminded of all the happy memories I have of Ms. Dunn at Portage Park. Being in chorus and being involved in the many musicals has been and still is a part of mine and my kids lives, they love to watch the tapes of me singing on stage. You will truly be missed Ms. Dunn, thank you for your constant dedication to your students, may you rest in peace.
cyndi schu
February 4, 2005
Ann Dunn was a great person - a constant source of encouragement and someone to look to for living a good life. She gave me a chance with the Rising Stars, and I will never forget that. Being on stage is where I love to be, and I thank Ann for letting me share her stage. She is at the best theater now - and truly directing over us all. My sympathies and prayers to all her family and friends.
John/Alda Schambari
February 4, 2005
With deepest sympathy on the loss of a great lady.
John/Alda Schambari
February 4, 2005
Id choose to be a daisy,If I might be a flower; Closing my petals softly at twilight s quiet hour ;And waking in the morning,When falls the early dew, To welcomeHeaven s bright sunshine, And Heaven s bright tear-drops too.
Mary Bennett (Hohmeier)
February 3, 2005
Ann Frances Dunn was one of my best friends during my grade school years through my early adult life. We attended St. Robert's together. We rode the bus to Notre Dame together. We did our homework together in her basement study. We learned to jitterbug and to cha-cha together --also in her basement/study and then we attended Sock Hops together. We participated in each other's "Sweet Sixteen" birthday party. We saw movies together and revisited those which we especially loved like "A Patch of Blue." We worked out our lives' problems and dreams by talking endlessly on the telephone or during car rides or at one another's childhood homes. As we entered our thirties, our paths gradually separated except through an annual Christmas card that somehow became a lifeline for an old and enduring friendship. I learned of Ann's struggle with cancer through her most recent Christmas message. I learned of her death through an email message on February 2, 2005. So many years, so many memories, so many blessings -- these define my fondness for Ann F. Dunn. Her inspiration and generosity to family, friends and students further define her, a woman who was uniquely talented and who unconditionally gave the eternal gifts of music and theatre to so many. I am sad that she is no longer on the home on Nagle Avenue which I visited so often during my youth and which was made warm and welcoming by her gracious parents with whom she is now re-united. Ann gave me the gift of friendship during our youth. I will forever value her.
NANCY (SHRAKE) HORN
February 3, 2005
DEAR FAMILY & FRIENDS OF ANN DUNN:
I HAD MS.DUNN AS MY 8TH GRADE TEACHER AT PORTAGE. I WAS TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE SUCH A CARING AND FUN TEACHER. SHE WAS THE REASON THAT IT WAS SO HARD TO LEAVE PORTAGE AND GO ON TO H.S.. I DID HAVE THE PLEASURE OF RUNNING INTO HER A FEW TIMES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. SHE WAS AMAZING, NO MATTER HOW MANY STUDENTS SHE HAD, SHE REMEMBERED THEM ALL BY NAME. SHE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
Melissa Rooks
February 3, 2005
It was with great sadness that we learned of Ann's death yesterday. I am a teacher at Portage Park and have enjoyed knowing Ann and her enthusiasm and great talent for many years. She will be greatly missed by so many people. The only bright light is that she was able to retire a number of years ago and enjoy her many hobbies and friends. She'll surely be directing a choir in Heaven.
Thomas Luther
February 3, 2005
I can only express such a deep sense of loss. Ann Dunn was a beautiful person and so full of love. Her inspiration to her freinds, students and family will be solely missed. Ann was so full of life and happiness that you couldn't help but to smile even if you were feeling sad, she had that spark to pick you up. I will always remember the good memories I shared with Ann as I got to know her these last few years. Her love and devotion to St. Robert Bellarmine Church and the Rising Stars was a true commitment to her love of life and people. In closing, I just want to say to you Ann, my dear beloved friend, I will cherish you forever in my heart- I will miss you dearly- Thank you for the memories and the friendships that you formed for so many of us. We love you and we'll miss you, but I know that you will be with me and watching over each of us with Grandma Galli from your cloud in heaven saying, "Break a leg!" I'll see you in Heaven someday my dear friend.
Pat, Julie & Rebecca Brenner
February 3, 2005
Ann represented what is good in all of us. She saw the good in everyone and found ways to get the best out of us. We have never known anyone as special as Ann. Ann gave me my music back when I thought it was long gone. Ann gave me, and many others, tools to win on and off the stage. We can never forget Ann because every time we hear a choir sing or song from a musical, I know Ann is around and will always be in our hearts. God Bless You Ann. You are now home.
Love, The Brenner's
Portage Park School Social Committee
February 3, 2005
On behalf of Portage Park School. We wanted to send our deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones. You are in our prayer always and forever.
Portage Park School Faculty & Staff
Jimmy Sullivan
February 3, 2005
To the family of Ann Dunn,
I wanted to send my deepest sympathy to you all. Ann was an extraordinary person. Always willing to give and lend a helping hand. I had the great honor of having her as my music teacher and my chorus director during my years at Portage Park. I then had the pleasure of becoming her friend. That was a true gift. She had so many talents and gifts. She will be remembered always. We love you and miss you.
Love Always,
Jimmy
Ann at home. This is a picture that Ann added to her profile on classmates.com.
February 3, 2005
Lisa Diment
February 3, 2005
It's so hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful, kind and exceptional person. She brought out the best in every Rising Star. To see her beaming face during the curtain call was to know her love and exultance for the effort everyone put into a performance. She will be sorely missed.
John Sasso
February 3, 2005
My heart aches to think that things should come to end this quickly. My family, my friends, and all of my associates were praying for successful treatments. As it turns out, God knows best, though it hurts those of us who remain. Ann and I both used to say that we all want to go to heaven, but, unfortunately, it means that we must leave this earth first. I know that Ann is enjoying the most beautiful vision of Jesus right now. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to have known such a wonderful person.
Laurie Colton-Farrar
February 3, 2005
My mom called today to tell me about Miss Dunn. (I stayed in touch with Ann into my 30s through the Rising Stars Theatre Company and it's still hard to call her anything but Miss Dunn!) I just learned only a few weeks ago that she had cancer and assumed, being the strong person that she is, she would have pulled through to recovery. I am so sad to hear that she didn't make it. Miss Dunn provided such a tremendous service to the kids of Portage Park and to so many people who lived on the Northwest Side of Chicago. She brought English, literature, music, and drama to many of us who might not have learned to appreciate such things without her influence. I am indebted to her for first teaching my sisters and then me. From the time I was a little girl I remember watching Cathy on stage and always having music around our house. To this day I still do community theatre here in Florida. She passed the bug on to so many of us. May God bless her and keep her!
Nancy and Carl Martino
February 3, 2005
It is with sadness to hear of Ann Dunn's passing. Such a lovely person, teacher, musician, caring daughter, and friend to so many people. She inspired every student she taught with her cheerful personality. Our children, Jim and Donna, graduated from Portage Park School. They sang in the school chorus, and Donna later joined the Rising Stars Troupe. Such good times were had by all! Our condolences and prayers to Ann's family and many friends.
NANCY HEIDKAMP
February 3, 2005
I am sorry to hear about Miss Dunn's death. I was a student at Portage Park and in her Chorus. I will always remember how much patience she had with us and her energy she gave us in her Choir.
She will be missed by all.
LORI LABOY
February 3, 2005
Ann Dunn was indeed an inspiration to so many through her kindness, patience, humor and extraordinary talent. It is such a blessing that she has always been a teacher in numerous capacities and able to reach young & older people alike. I was lucky to call her friend and also to be friends with some of her former students. We have all learned from her examples and are so much the better for it. Thanks Ann for great Rising Stars memories! I Love You-Star One!
1982 Spring Concert - The brilliant pianist I forgot her name! Laura Hall, Miss Dunn Accepting Gifts
Donna Martino
February 3, 2005
Miss Dunn made everything cool, from diagraming a sentence to singing and dancing. Some of the toughest kids sang their hearts out for her. I remember watching Laura and Lisa Hall and thinking, I want to be just like them! Miss Dunn worked us hard, but it always paid off. I know my mom still has the 2 albums the chorus made in the 70s. There were over 100 students then. After graduation, I was honored to be invited into the Rising Stars. Those were some of the best years of my life. She made an enormous impact on so many lives. I will never forget Ann, and I will never forget how to diagram a sentence.
jeremy sabbath
February 3, 2005
dear dunn family,
My name is jeremy and i would like to send my deepest sympathy to u and your family. I will always remember how Ann always had a smile on her face. I will always remember Ann.
my deepest sympathy,
jeremy sabbath
Bill Esbrook
February 3, 2005
Praise be to G'D for allowing Ann to become such an important part of my life. As one of the Original Members of explorer Post 2960, which became the Rising Stars, I grew so much as an actor and person thanks to Anns tutalage and she WILL be sorely missed by all those who performed for and with her as well as the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who enjoyed the shows that she produced and directed
Bill E
Ginger/Artie Miller
February 3, 2005
We will all miss Ann. She was such a caring, dedicated teacher and friend to many. There will be a special place for her in heaven leading their choir! She will be in our thoughts and prayers....
The Sitkowski Family
February 3, 2005
Dear Family and Friends of Miss Dunn,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our children attend SRB and have had the privilege to work with Miss Dunn. Our young son especially enjoyed his time in the Childrens Choir and working under her guidance. Her contribution to our church and school was greatly appreciated. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories Ann has given to all, and in the kindness of family and friends who share your loss. God bless you.
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