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BORN
1944
DIED
2016
Michele Dunbar Obituary
Michele S. Dunbar, 71, of Sarasota, FL passed away at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on May 26, 2016. Born December 26, 1944 in Meriden, CT to the late Caroline (née Lodi) and Michael Surowiecki, Michele attended Francis T. Maloney High School. She married the late George W. Dunbar, Jr. in 1967 and settled in Simsbury, CT where she raised her children and served as president of Dunbar Armored Security Inc. Upon moving to Sarasota in 2001, Michele became active in several Bird Key social groups including the Women's Association, Gourmet Dinner Club & Mahjong. It was through these activities that she made dear friends. An animal lover, she also very much enjoyed spending time with her beloved terrier Reagan. Michele was also happy to have reconnected and formed a special relationship with Anthony Derderian and his family. Michele is survived by her children Casey Dunbar and wife Carrie of Palmetto, FL; Carla Dunbar Dimmock and husband Jon of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Julianne & Aubrey Dunbar and Lochlain & Holt Dimmock; siblings Michael & Mark Surowiecki and Maria Pekoske; cousins William & Robin Anderson; niece Melissa Pekoske Kapuscinski; stepson Scott Dunbar; longtime companion John Donald Blackburn; and dearest friend Beverly Scranton. Michele was preceded in death by stepson Stephen Dunbar. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 2 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church. The family will be receiving guests immediately following at Bird Key Yacht Club. Memorial gifts may be made to daughter Carla's tribute organization of: Breast Cancer Research Foundation | "In Honor of Michele S. Dunbar" | 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor | New York, NY 10022 or online at https://give.bcrfcure.org; or son Casey's tribute organization of: St. Stephen's Episcopal School | Tribute to Michele S. Dunbar | 315 41st Street West | Bradenton, FL 34209.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michele Dunbar
Sponsored by the family.
Tom Nolan
May 26, 2024
Liked Michele when I first saw her back in 1953.
Tom Nolan
May 26, 2020
I still find it difficult to know Michele is not here in the present. I had a crush on her when she was nine. My fond memories of her will always be with me.
Tom Nolan
October 26, 2016
Michele will always be in my memory as a very close friend in Meriden where I grew up with her. I used to visit every weekend from down the street on North Colony. In high school she rode with me to Maloney until I graduated and went into the Army. She knew I liked her but I could never get to first base. It's hard to know someone who was so close is gone. God bless you Michele.
Hope Noar
September 1, 2016
We miss Michele too. She always had a smile on her face, and would light up the room when she walked in. I really cherished her friendship.
Hope and Kenny
August 31, 2016
Miss you Mom!
Bob Barrow
June 4, 2016
Casey and Carla,
I'm sorry for your loss. I have great memories of working for both your parents. They gave opportunities to many people.
RIP Michele
Tom Albanese
June 4, 2016
Mark and family so sorry for your loss
Don and Arlene Murphy
June 3, 2016
Carla and Casey,
We were so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. Always had a lot of fun with her and your Dad. She was a quick wit (had an infectious chuckle) and was a very generous friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Don and Arlene Murphy
Rose DeSandre. (Scatton)
June 2, 2016
I am very sorry to hear of Michele's passing .
She was a beautiful caring person. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
We went to school together and had fun.
Fondly
Neil Scranton
June 2, 2016
Dear Casey, Carla, and Don...I am extremely saddened with your loss. We always had a ball, whether visiting you in Florida, or at Whaler Reunions here in Connecticut. How about Casey's cruise wedding ! I will never forget Michele Dunbar.
June 2, 2016
Casey, Carla and Donald, I am so sorry I could not be there, but know that I am in thought and prayer. I am praying for all of you for strength and peace during this difficult time. Chella was such a wonderful cousin and I will miss her dearly, but I know she is at peace in God's loving arms. May you all find comfort in the wonderful memories of Michele and the times together. RIP my dear Chella.
With Love,
Cousin Robin Aurora, CO
June 2, 2016
Casey, Carla and Donald, I am praying for all of you that God will give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Chella was such a wonderful cousin and I will miss her dearly, but I know that she is at peace in God's loving arms. May you all find comfort in the wonderful memories of Michele and all the times together. RIP my dear Chella.
Love to you all,
Cousin Robin Aurora, CO
June 2, 2016
Mark,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your sister. Our thoughts are with you.
Rich & Jackie
Kristin Hartl Wild
June 2, 2016
Casey, Carla, Donald and to all those that loved Michele. I am thinking of you and I know how much Michele meant to you and all her friends. She was a part of my family all my life and meant the world to my Mom. I will never forget her generosity to me and how she outfitted me when I first started working at Aetna out of school. She would bring bags of Evan Piccone and designer suits over to me and I have to say I was the best dressed employee for years. I always had a great deal of respect for Michele and admired her hard work and commitment. It was always obvious how much Michele cared about friends and family and of course her animals. She will be greatly missed.
Jim Yoder
June 2, 2016
We are very sorry to learn of Micheale s passing what a great lady her primetime dance and YMCA friendship will be missed she was never a quitter and her strong fight against her illness inspired all the family and friends have lost a special person
Marie Meyers Stackpole
June 1, 2016
I've known Michele since kindergarten and we attended the same church and than high school...she was always a great friend. Wishing you all comfort in the many memories you all share and hope they sustain you all at this difficult time
Cherniak Family
June 1, 2016
Dear Michael, Mark & Maria, Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your sister from your old Hicks Street neighbors. May she RIP
R Urban
June 1, 2016
Mark and Family, I am sorry to find this out. Keep close to Family and know your Family and Michelle are in my thoughts and prayers. You have been a good friend thru some of my hard times as well and I am grateful.
young
June 1, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Robin Packard
June 1, 2016
Casey, Carla and Family,
My heart is heavy just as yours. Your mom was not only the Best Boss I've EVER had but became my friend for 25+ years. She often spoke of her grandchildren with love. Feel Gods presence and love around you at this time. I can only imagine how proud she and your dad are at the independent and strong adults you've become.
I will miss her checking in on me.
I will be there in spirit with you all. Sending Love, Hugs and Prayers.
Joseph Maciora
June 1, 2016
My condolences and prayers at this sad time.
Your cousin Joseph
Patty Walsh
June 1, 2016
To all of Michele's family: Please accept our sincere sympathy. We were saddened to hear of her passing. I have such fond memories of her growing up as her cousin in the Surowiecki family. She was a lovely person. Sincerely, Patty and Brady Walsh
Florence (Modelski) Drake
June 1, 2016
May her spirit be at peace.
Lula
June 1, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Dunbar Family. I share your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please find comfort in knowing God is close to the brokenhearted and hears our prayers. May God comfort your hearts and give you peace and strength to endure in the days ahead. (Jeremiah 29:11,12).
Joyce Hooley Bartlett
June 1, 2016
Casey and Carla, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. I have such memories of her coming into the dorms to visit or just be on campus. She was engaging and spirited. I do remember though that she was not one to pamper either of you and always expected you to do your best. Know that my thoughts are with you both. Joyce
June 1, 2016
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
May 31, 2016
Casey and Carla, we are saddened by the news of your mothers passing, may her memories always brighten your hearts.
Terry and Laurie Worster
Hope and Kenneth Noar
May 31, 2016
Casey and Carla,
Kenny and I are so very sorry about the passing of your beloved Mother. She was so full of life, and she cherished the time she had with you and her grandkids. We have beautiful memories of her when our kids were younger, and she was always so gracious to us when we came to your house. And even when she moved out of the area, we still continued to send each other holiday cards. I will miss her friendship so much, but I take comfort in knowing that your Mother will continue to live on through you and your children,
Walter Anderson
May 31, 2016
I knew Michele from those early days in Meriden when she was in high school and I was dating her aunt Frances.
She was like a "kid sister" to me.
RIP Michele.
Vernon Dufour
May 31, 2016
Casey and Carla , so sorry for your loss . RIP Michelle
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